Bendigo to benefit from Industrial Land Plan

THE State Government has released a comprehensive roadmap for what it says will unlock industrial land across Victoria to create jobs, attract investment and give business more certainty to grow.

Its 10-Year Plan for Industrial Land, which is hoped to help make available more than 2800 MCGs’ worth of acreage, sets out when and where usable land will be released and rezoned, backed by faster planning approvals, coordinated infrastructure delivery and streamlined processes.

The strategy supports current efforts to establish the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct on a 155 hectare parcel of land along the Wimmera and Calder Alternative Highways near Marong, which is expected to eventually create 6000 both direct and indirect jobs for the region.

To help local councils such as the City of Greater Bendigo get regional sites “shovel-ready,” the government has also established a $10 million Trunk Infrastructure Fund – connecting land to power, water and road networks so businesses can hit the ground running.

“We’re unlocking the land we need for the industries that power our economy – from freight and logistics to advanced manufacturing,” Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said.

“This 10-year plan is about backing industry, backing jobs, and backing Victoria’s economy for the long-haul.”

Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson said it aims to gives business confidence, cut delays, and back people who build, make and move.

“[It is] creating jobs and keeping Victoria’s economy strong,” he said.

To find out more, visit the Department of Transport and Planning website.