Plan locked in – City of Greater Bendigo council meeting briefs

THE City of Greater Bendigo’s council okayed four key documents at Monday’s general meeting.

First up was the council plan, dual named Mir wimbul, that includes the municpality’s community vision and values which were crafted by residents earlier in the year.

Seventeen submissions were received during the draft phase of the plan; seven from residents, five from local organisations and five from staff.

Modifications have been made to the plan to include some of the suggestions, such as supporting Traditional Owners’ priorities in land management, strengthening support for LGBTIQA+ communities, and supporting the development of the Bendigo Regional Dementia Village.

A change also sees a new goal for the City, to “work towards developing a major events precinct in Greater Bendigo” under outcome three; a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy.

At the same time a 10-year financial plan was also adopted, outlining the City’s key monetary outcomes and accounting for the City’s commitment to net zero carbon by 2030.

Six submissions were received, and Cr Vaughan Williams criticised the document, saying the City “has not achieved best value for the community’s money.”

“Council has not been equitable and as transparent as it could be in decisions making and that limits it being accountable and financially responsible,’ he said.

Cr Williams said more of the financial plan should’ve been publicly revealed, including the costs for GovHub, which are estimated to increase by more than $3 million per annum.

This figure was agreed to by the previous council responsible for their financial plan, however, and not included in the new one.

Third up was The health and wellbeing plan, which received 16 submissions.

Titled Healthy Greater Bendigo 2021-2025, it outlines the City’s reponsbility to promote and protect community health and wellbeing.

Many submissions appelaed for volunteerism to be included as an area for action, and it was added to the plan under “connected to culture and community”.

Councillor Andrea Metcalf said the plan was “littered with corporate language” and it should be “more reflective of the language people use everyday.”

The final strategic document council voted to adopt was the Climate Change and Environment Strategy.

By far the most engaged with plan, the draft received 34 survey responses and 20 written submissions.

According to an officers report, community members were highly positive of the draft and “praised the progressive direction.”

The plan outlines six flagship projects for the City, including Reimagining Bendigo Creek, Healing Country Together and Building a Circular Greater Bendigo.

All but Cr Williams voted in favour of that plan.

 

‘Farm’ house to umpire

The decision to subdivide land in a farming zone in Lockwood South for a dwelling excision will ultimately be made by VCAT.

Councillors voted to take the position that it does not support the granting of a permit for the subdivision, however councillors agreed the application presented an “anomaly” in the planning scheme.

The land, located at 15 Panorama Road, is in a farming zone, however it is surrounded by houses with little evidence of agricultural activity, and sandwiched between two low density residential zones.

Cr Matthew Evans said the land appears to be a “normal residential block”.

Councillors agreed VCAT should make the final decision, as the tribunal can hear all sides of the application.

 

Options for former school

The future of the former Golden Square Primary School lies in the hands of the State Government, however councillors agreed to voice their opinions on what should happen to the space.

A Government Land Standing Advisory Committee is the planning authority for the site, however the groups and people can make submissions.

Ideas for the site include turning it into affordable housing, office spaces, a recreational space, or a combination of uses.

A report from consulting firm Centrum Town Planning said the site’s “size and vacant nature are likely to make it more appealing for a residential development.”

Cr Rod Fyffe said its important Golden Square residents are included in discussions of what happens to the former school.

 

Park gets makeover

The Malone Park draft master plan has been released for public exhibition, outlining major upgrades to the Marong reserve.

Key features of the draft include the provision of a multi-purpose pavilion, relocation of the Marong Light Harness Club and redevelopment of the harness track into a green playing surface, two netball and tennis courts, and improved walking and cycling tracks.

According to a municipal report, the population of Marong is expected to grow to 8000 people, about the same as Castlemaine.

“This draft Malone Park master plan seeks to support the future park users as Marong grows and accommodate existing user groups, as the park operates as the key community open space in Marong,” Cr Julie Sloan said.

 

Gallery upgrade approved

Councillors gave the green light for the Bendigo Art Gallery’s redevelopment, endorsing its business case.

The project, estimated to cost up to $28 million, will feature a contribution of up to $3 million from the City and up to $25 million external funding, including $21 million from the State and Federal Governments, $2.5 million from the Bendigo Art Gallery Board and $1.5 million in philanthropic donations.

The upgrade will see more space in the gallery for permanent and blockbuster exhibitions, a new learning space and a Dja Dja Wurrung cultural object keeping space.

Cr David Fagg voted against the business case, and said the upgrade will do little to increase local visitation and support local artists.

“These are two serious weaknesses of the gallery and in the business case it’s unclear how either of these goals will be achieved, apart from simply having more space,” he said.

Cr Fyffe said the issues raised by Cr Fagg were merely “operational” and the upgrade is a “major step forward.”

“The business case is an expansion, intergration and way forward for making sure the gallery is even more fit for purpose in the sense of attracting more people from local, regional, interstate, or even international [places],” he said.

 

Historical collection moved

The Bendigo Historial Society has a new home, after council unanimously approved its relocation to Bendigo TAFE’s Building A North.

The BHS’s collection of historical documents, clothing, pictures and other items were previously housed at the Bendigo Regional Archive Centre,

The Public Records Office Victoria recognised a number of health and safety risks due to there being not enough space for the collection to be stored in the BRAC.

Bendigo TAFE’s Bulding A North accomodates all of BHS’s needs, except the shop front and museum.