Post-war development the subject of closer study

THE groundwork has been laid for in-depth investigations of environmental aspects of development in Bendigo after the Second World War.

At their last official meeting before local government elections, City of Greater Bendigo councilors endorsed the Greater Bendigo Post-War Thematic Environmental History, 1945–1980.

A thematic environmental history documents the principal historical themes in the development of a municipality, and the new study complements an existing examination that covers the time after Europeans arrived in the area, which was completed in 2013.

While that document provided a detailed overview of how different themes shaped the municipality’s development, it was largely silent on growth after 1945.

The latest investigation will help to identify and provide justification for places to be considered for more detailed heritage assessment, and potentially heritage protection, in the future.

It identifies that the period between 1945 and 1980 was characterized by significant social, transport and economic change including commercial and suburban expansion, a dramatic increase in the use of cars, and a rise in a range of social movements.

The study pinpoints various post-war places ranging from industrial buildings and houses through to motor inns and sporting club buildings.

Study consultants carried out community consultation, including a workshop, and residents used an online tool to nominate 31 places they thought could be of heritage significance.

The study will now be used as the basis for a more detailed probe to assess the significance of individual post-war properties or places.

City chief executive officer Andrew Cooney said it was important for post-war places and themes in the municipality to be identified, celebrated and potentially heritage protected in the future.

“This study helps us to understand how and why Greater Bendigo has developed since 1945, and how that fits within Victoria’s heritage themes,” Mr Cooney said.

“It could lead to more detailed post-war heritage assessments being undertaken in the future.

“It helps to identify potential places and properties that require more detailed investigation and research as part of potential future stage two studies for different precincts or areas in Greater Bendigo.”

The community will be consulted as part of any future studies, which could include an investigation to determine if individual properties are of heritage significance.