Help need to plan Huntly’s future

A GROUP of Huntly residents is being sought to assist the City of Greater Bendigo in developing a structure plan for the growing outer suburb.

The plan will aim to guide the expansion of Huntly for the next 30 years.

City manager of strategic planning Anthony Petherbridge said the new train station which opened last weekend “increases the suburb’s accessibility and appeal as a desirable place to live”, and the growth of the town is evident in new estates and interest beyond the zoned residential land.

“There are several constraints which need to be considered carefully before any direction can be developed for growth such as flooding, bushfire and native vegetation considerations,” he said.

“An important focus of the project will be to bring the community, landowners, businesses and other key stakeholders together to develop an achievable plan which will ultimately help to guide and transform Huntly over time.

“A structure plan is the best way to plan for future growth and consists of plans, policies, maps and guidelines that identify areas for new development, redevelopment, incremental change and improvements and infrastructure.”

About 12 members including residents, businesses owners and representatives of community and sporting groups with a broad range of interests are required for the community reference group, which will meet for an hour to 90 minutes once every second month.

“This is an extensive project and there will be significant community consultation opportunities in August and September, but the first step will be to create a community reference group and I encourage people from all walks of life and skills to apply and get involved in the planning for Huntly’s future growth,” Mr Petherbridge said.

Applications close on Sunday, 31 July and can be made at bit.ly/3uTbZ7V.