BendigoWeekly www.bendigoweekly.com.au
ISSUE 1083 FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
Food the focus AS the bid for recognition in UNESCO’s creative cities initiative was launched this week, food producers, restaurateurs, academics and the City of Greater Bendigo thought about the opportunities to drive wholesale change in the region’s food sector. Milly Byrne and Julie Howard were on hand with a tasty platter. – Story Page 9
NO PARKING Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
By SHARON KEMP
ANOTHER 57 car parks were waived for a development in Bendigo this week, taking to more than 200 the number of spaces the City of Greater Bendigo has relinquished so far in this council term. The aim is to compel people to ride, walk or take public transport. With further developments destined for the CBD including a Gov Hub accommodating 1000 workers, new law courts and new centres at Bendigo TAFE, parking in Bendigo has become the most divisive issue facing council.
■ Bendigo
Council waives development rules
The council is reviewing parking controls within its Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, but in waiving 57 parks for a tavern and function centre in Mackenzie Street this week, it still relies on a precinct plan and strategy that are almost 10 years old. Since then, a transport and land use strategy was introduced that has taken precedence over the Bendigo CBD Parking Precinct Plan 2009 and the Bendigo CBD parking strategy
2008. The former recommends making it easier for developers to ignore parking. “A provision is made for applicants for planning permits to request a reduction or waiver of requirements,” the council strategy states. “This approach needs to be reversed for many uses of developments – applicants for many uses within the city centre should need to demonstrate why they need car
Bank chases new customers – Page 3
parking on site.” Not all councillors agree with council’s more recent approach to parking. While she voted in favour of the Mackenzie Street development, councillor Julie Hoskin said parking needed to be addressed in the city centre. “I have serious concerns that this is yet another development with no provisions for parking,” she said. “The compound impact of this is
■ 40-page
unsustainable and unfair for citizens in the area who are already struggling in this situation. “I think council really does need to do something about that.” Cr James Williams said the waiver of parking is also of concern to the objectors however the location, nature of the business and proximity to the CBD, Rosalind Park, the Capital Theatre and the Art Gallery, all of whom attract many patrons within areas they service are within reasonable walking distance of parking and public transport. Continued Page 2
Property Guide inside
Win a Holiday to Fiji To be in the running just spend $1500 or more in store, between 17th August to 30th September 2018. Fiji holiday includes: • Return economy flights for two people from Melbourne • 5 nights accommodation at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay for two, twin share • Ground transfers from airport to hotel • Buffet breakfast daily • Up to $3000 of Exclusive Bonus Value Inclusions See instore for details.
Must Book by 31st Oct 18
Travel 1st Aug 18 to 1st Mar 19
7 Stanley Street, Bendigo Ph: 5444 4677 • www.specair.com.au