Planning begins for 155-hectare employment precinct

Land limits: City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said much of the industrial land that is available in the region is small and the lot sizes are spread out, which is not ideal. Photo: SUPPLIED

PLANNING work for the development of the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct along the Wimmera and Calder Alternative Highways near Marong is underway to deliver 155 hectares of industrial land for Greater Bendigo.

The State Government has allocated $6 million to prepare a range of studies that will outline how the site can be developed and identify the most appropriate businesses and uses for the precinct.

A Planning Scheme Amendment is due to be released in August or September to rezone the site from the current Farming Zone to an Industrial Zone.

As City of Greater Bendigo Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney explained, the City currently has less than 10 years’ supply of industrial land remaining.

“Greater Bendigo has a strong manufacturing industry,” he said.

“This project intends to secure jobs in the region and support local businesses that may want to grow, and attract future businesses seeking large parcels of land ready for development.

“Much of the industrial land that is available now is small and the lot sizes are spread out, which is not ideal.

“A key focus of the studies is to identify the enabling infrastructure the site is going to need and the best development model that ultimately makes it affordable for tenants to move in.

“As the studies are completed, we will have a better understanding of the kind of costs involved so we can start having discussions with our State and Federal colleagues about how to realise our vision for this site.”