Landscape review ready for planning scheme

CITY of Greater Bendigo councillors approved the next stage of the City’s Big Hill and Mandurang Valley Landscape Review at their September meeting.

At the meeting just before local government went into caretaker mode, councillors agreed to take the next steps in the project, voting to seek authorisation from Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to prepare and exhibit Planning Scheme Amendment C288gben.

The review investigated significant landscapes in the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley areas, and aligns with an action within the Greater Bendigo Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-25 to scope a gateway study for Big Hill and Mandurang Valley.

The review looked at the area that runs from Harcourt North in the south up to parts of Strathdale in the north and across to Ravenswood and Lockwood South to the west.

Fieldwork was carried out to document key views, with results included in a broader analysis of particular viewpoints and viewing corridors across or towards identified significant landscapes and features.

The report found that the Big Hill ridgeline, the upper slopes, and the Big Hill Granitic Uplands areas are the most highly valued landscape features of regional significance that are most prominent from the most-frequented viewing spots.

Strategy and growth director Rachel Lee said the review clarified the next steps to be taken to protect these valued landscapes.

“It provides a detailed landscape review that includes a comprehensive visual analysis and assessment that helps to understand the visual exposure and value of significant landscape features,” Ms Lee said. “Council supported the recommendations for revised ‘Significant Landscape Overlay’ boundaries over these areas.”

The report also found that the Significant Landscape Overlay was not justified over the Mandurang Valley area, in contrast to previous studies, due to having lower levels of visual significance and exposure.

Alternative planning controls to address the protection of these landscapes may be investigated by the City in future.

Public consultation has also guided the process. A community survey held last November covered values including scenery and outdoors, wildlife and biodiversity, history and cultural heritage, recreation and activities, agriculture, productivity, and economic return.