Proposed pong prevention plan progresses

PREPARATIONS are in place to amend the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to rezone land and create a buffer zone around the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant at Howard Street, Epsom.

Specifically, amendment C237gben proposes to create the buffer area around the plant to guide what types of buildings and activities are appropriate at the site in the future, based on potential off-site environmental impacts from odours emanating from the complex.

Owned by Coliban Water, the plant contains a number of facilities that receive and treat sewage generated from around 45,000 residential, commercial and industrial buildings across the region.

The majority of the sewage to the plant arrives via underground sewerage pipes while some septic tank waste is delivered to the site by trucks as well.

The plant is close to homes and businesses and also farming and conservation land.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the proposed amendment was important for several reasons.

“As the planning authority, it is the city’s role to ensure future development close to the plant is appropriate and that any potential off-site environmental impacts from land uses are properly factored in,” he said.

“The Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant is essential for treating wastewater for homes and businesses across Greater Bendigo.

“Careful planning is needed that balances growth in the area and the plant’s future operations.”

Cr Prince said the proposed overlay is not a response to a new odour incident or change in current operations.

“It is intended to guide future planning decisions around essential wastewater infrastructure,” he said.

Following council endorsement, the next step will be to submit a request for authorisation of the amendment to the Victorian Minister for Planning.