Southern Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan 1 - Macedon ...

MaNage OuR POPuLaTION gROwTh aND SeTTLeMeNTS
Liveability
The forces of growth have the potential to overwhelm the lifestyleliveability
assets of our region, that are driving the growth in the
first place. Critical choices need to be made about the shape and
form of urban development, about the links between places, and
about the type of urban development that will support sustainable
water provision and transport systems.
The majority of new urban development will need to be contained
within existing towns and settlements or designated growth areas
with good access to services, education, employment, transport
and social networks.
Transport and employment planning are critical to determining
the future capacity of growth settlements. We must also protect
water catchment areas, land with high environmental or amenity
value and to ensure non-urban breaks between settlements are
maintained.
Rural living
Rural living is an attraction of the region. There is a continuing
tension between the protection of viable farming land and the
demand for smaller rural allotments. Set against the general trend
of consolidation of farming landholders, there are also a variety of
opportunities to more intensively develop rural land for the equine
industry, boutique wineries, and orchards.
Our land use has historically been dominated by dryland and
irrigated agriculture. Almost all of our irrigated agriculture is
located in Loddon Shire, although pockets of irrigated horticulture
or viticulture are distributed through the region. The main dryland
agricultural land uses are livestock grazing and cropping.
Priority actions:
1.1
Although much of the land to the south and east of Bendigo is
classified as being used for agriculture, limited commercial-scale
agriculture occurs and land is often valued for its amenity for
rural living, rather than its potential for agricultural production.
Settlement planning must ensure that the development in these
areas does not generate demand for unsustainable expansion to
services or infrastructure.
Housing choices
Identification of regional housing needs in light of projected
population growth, changing household composition and
needs may be best coordinated at a regional level. Planning for
an increased supply of housing which maintains the character
of existing towns, minimises impacts on natural environments
and responds to bushfire risk is an ongoing challenge for our
region. This challenge is likely to intensify over time as population
growth and development pressures increase. The proportion of
households with one or two people will continue to increase and
may stimulate demand for smaller dwelling units.
Forward planning for projected population and economic growth
requires new investment in energy and waste infrastructure.
Actions proposed focus on planning for regional approaches to
waste reduction and recycling and assessing alternative energy
sources. Additional investment to progress and service industrial
land will also be essential to meet industry demand.
Establish a Regional Settlement Framework that respects the amenity, functionality and connectedness of existing
cities and towns, and accommodates growth accordingly.
Key initiatives:
1.2
Support population stability and interventions to encourage growth in areas where population has stabilised or
fallen (e.g. Loddon and Central Goldfields Shires).
3
1.3
Undertake strategic work and implement appropriate rural zones across the region to manage land use and
support existing and emerging rural based activities.
3
1.4 Link planning with natural resource protection and water demand and provision. 3
1.5
Fund a pilot project to showcase higher density, mixed use, sustainable development on Government or private
land within Bendigo which includes affordable housing.
3
1.6 Develop targeted aged, emergency and social housing across the region. 3
1.7
Implement relevant findings of the Bushfire Royal Commission and support Integrated Fire Management Planning
through the development of the Regional Strategic and 10 Municipal Fire Management Plans.
3
1.8
Implement the Calder Regional Waste Management Plan with a focus on increasing community education about
waste issues including waste reduction and recycling.
3
Horizon (years)
1-5 >5
Southern Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan 15
3
Horizon (years)
1-5 >5