Planning amendments signal progress for city

A planning scheme amendment that covers Golden Square and parts of Ironbark and the city centre has been approved by the planning minister and has subsequently come into effect.

City of Greater Bendigo strategic planning manager Anthony Petherbridge said the amendment – C270gben – represents an important milestone for Golden Square in particular.

“It implements key strategies, strengthens heritage protection and provides a clear planning framework to support the area’s future development,” he said.

Meanwhile, public exhibition has opened for the proposed City Centre Planning Amendment (C279gben), which aims to provide vision and clear direction to manage growth and development in the city centre.

The proposed amendment seeks to implement several already adopted key plans including the Bendigo City Centre Plan (2020), the Bendigo City Centre Parking Futures Action Plan (2020) and the City Centre Urban Design Framework (2022).

Petherbridge said the Bendigo City Centre Plan 2020, specifically, was adopted to provide an overarching structure plan.

“C279gben with its supporting documents has been prepared to implement this,” he explained.

“The proposed amendment will provide a logical strategic planning framework that’s clearer, less complex, and more responsive to allow for a well-designed, compact city to thrive and flourish.”

City staff will be available to answer inquiries about C279gben at three remaining drop-in sessions at Galkangu Bendigo GovHub from 8.30am to 2pm on Monday 22 June, from 11am to 2pm on Tuesday 30 June, and midday to 3pm on Thursday 2 July.

If unable to attend one of the sessions, people can email [email protected] or call customer service on 1300 002 642 to arrange an appointment.

For the full details of the C270gben planning scheme amendment, visit the CoGB website.

Detailed descriptions of the proposed C279gben amendment are also available on the city website.