Opinions sought on City’s outlying areas

LOCAL residents have been invited to offer their perspectives on the City of Greater Bendigo’s new Rural Areas Strategy, which has been established to help provide “certainty and clear direction” on future land use and development.

The Strategy’s main aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s rural areas, which are seen as important for agriculture, rural living and the environment.

A draft Background Review and Issues and Opportunities Paper, which can be found on the City’s Let’s Talk community engagement website, is open for public engagement until Friday 13 December.

Information sessions are also being held where residents can speak to City officers involved in the project.

The first session will be held at the Raywood Hotel at 5.30pm today, with sessions at Elmore Community Hub on Wednesday 27 November and Heathcote Bush Market on Saturday 7 December to follow.

People unable to attend can arrange a time to discuss the project with Andrew Cockerall in Strategic Planning via email at [email protected] or phone on 1300 002 642.

The city’s director strategy and growth Rachel Lee said the Background Review and Issues and Opportunities Paper has helped identify a range of opportunities and potential strategies, and residents are invited to provide input to ensure the approach is comprehensive.

“This will help guide the development of a new strategy, so have your say and encourage your family and friends to also provide feedback,” she said.

Further information is available on COGB’s Let’s Talk website at letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/rural-areas-strategy.