The City of Greater Bendigo and its residents are embracing a new approach to community consultation. Director of City Strategy, Jan Boynton, said Council recently held a two day design workshop to involve interested stakeholders in the future development of the Jackass Flat area. A greenfield site, this area had previously been identified for development in Council’s Residential Development Strategy.
Covering 120 hectares, Jackass Flat will provide 1,000 new dwellings and include some 20 hectares of open space areas. Representatives attended the workshop from Council, Government agencies, service authorities, environment groups, landowners and interested residents.
“The design workshop concept is a first for Greater Bendigo and it has proved an extremely successful way to connect with everyone who has an interest in the way Jackass Flat will be developed,” Jan Boynton said.
“A range of issues were discussed, including protection of the environment, provision of services and the future of the street and public open space networks in the area.”
She said a community BBQ also provided a good opportunity for residents to talk to consultants and express their views about the development of the area.
Workshop participants produced a draft concept plan to be presented back to the community. A final Structure Plan will address issues such as the rehabilitation of creeks, water management, provision of services, road alignments and upgrades, the location of community facilities and open space. The structure plan will form the basis of a future amendment to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, which will guide future residential growth in the Jackass Flat area.
“In the past, undeveloped areas have been rezoned to residential with little regard for the environment or the provision of service,” Jan Boynton said. “The design workshop approach takes all these matters into consideration to provide landowners, developers and the community with greater certainty about how an area will develop.”
For further information please contact Strategic Planner, Andrew Cockerall, on email a.cockerall@bendigo.vic.gov.au or telephone (03) 5434 6292.
