The City of Greater Bendigo, located approximately 150 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, is a central regional hub in Victoria (Map 1). Covering around 3,000 square kilometres, it encompasses both urban and rural areas, with a population of approximately 121,221 people as of 2021 (City of Greater Bendigo, 2021a). This region has experienced significant growth, with projections estimating a population of 200,000 residents by 2050 (City of Greater Bendigo, 2021b).
Historically, Bendigo’s development was spurred by the discovery of gold in the 1850s, attracting a diverse population and creating a vibrant urban centre with a rich architectural heritage. The wealth generated from the gold rush era laid the foundation for the city’s unique urban form and cultural landscape. However, post-1950s economic challenges led to periods of stagnation until recent decades when strategic planning and infrastructural investments catalysed a resurgence in urban growth and economic activity.
The contemporary urban planning strategy for Greater Bendigo is outlined in key documents such as the Greater Bendigo Council Plan (2021-2025), Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy (2014), Greater Bendigo’s Managed Growth Strategy (MGS) and Greater Bendigo Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy (Draft) (2024). These strategies emphasize sustainable growth through the development of a ‘Compact City’ model and 10 Minte Neighbourhood principles promoting higher densities, diverse healthy communities, easily accessed services and infrastructure and transit-oriented development to mitigate urban sprawl and environmental degradation. Recent efforts, including the Greater Bendigo Council Plan and Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy, reflect collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s competitive advantage and livability.
Map 2. City of Greater Bendigo – Regional Context & Residential Zones
Neighbouring LGAs
Literature Review
Community Vision 2021-2031
Greater Bendigo celebrates our diverse community. We are welcoming, sustainable and prosperous. Walking hand-inhand with the traditional custodians of this land. Building on our rich heritage for a bright and happy future.
—— Greater Bendigo Council Plan (2021-2025)
Housing Strategies (GBHS) emphasize the importance of integrating innovative planning tools and community engagement to achieve these goals. The document focuses on accommodating future residential development through the creation of a compact city with vibrant neighbourhoods. This strategy promotes “10 Minute Neighborhoods” where residents can accessdaily needs within a walkable distance, maximizing land use within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), and identifying key development sites suitable for higher density housing. The strategy also aims to improve the diversity and design standards of housing to support sustainable urban development.
Strategic Planning Framework - Greater Bendigo Council Plan (2021-2025)
The strategic planning framework for Greater Bendigo is articulated through comprehensive documents such as the Council Plan 2021-2025, which outlines the vision for a sustainable and inclusive community.
The community vision is underpinned by five values:
• Transparency – honesty and accountability, integrity and clarity of language, to ensure that understandable, clear and concise language is used.
• Sustainability – a focus on our environment, being both built and natural, and our health, our economy and our heritage.
• Inclusion – capturing our cultural and community diversity.
• Equity – provide support and give opportunity to others to be part of this community.
The vision for Greater Bendigo is to become Australia’s most liveable regional city, driven by strategic planning efforts that encompass a range of factors. These include an integrated transport system, quality and affordable housing, open space networks, infrastructure, access to services, cultural diversity, a vibrant economy, educational opportunities, public health and safety, and community engagement.
From an environmental perspective, promoting Bendigo as a “City of Forest” entails careful planning to avoid pushing development into the urban fringe, where risks of fire and flood are higher.
Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy (2018)
The rapid population growth in Greater Bendigo not only are challenges but also bring opportunities. The Greater Bendigo
• Innovation – to help with ongoing growth, including creativity, adaption, continuous improvement and efficiency, so as the city and community continues to evolve and prosper.
Key strategic objectives arising from the GBHS are:
• To provide greater diversity in housing with a focus on smaller housing on smaller lots with a component of affordable housing.
• To have housing in accessible locations and for future residents to have safe active transport options.
• To improve the design quality of housing and the public realm and a generous provision of quality public open space and areas for people to gather.
In 2013 the State Government introduced three reformed residential zones to replace the Residential 1 Zone. The Housing Strategy also points out the new three types of residential zones available to the Council now (as shown in inset Map 2):
• General Residential Zone (GRZ) – would be applied to “typical” residential areas.
• Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ1/ NRZ2) – this is the most restrictive of the zones and recognises that there is a special character that needs to be preserved.
• Residential Growth Zone (RGZ/RGZ2/ RGZ3) – where higher density is encouraged and could applied in and around activity centres and along transit corridors.
GIS in Urban Planning Decision-making
As a computer-based software aiming to collect, integrate, store spatial data and information (Bolstad 2006), Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is able to digitize physical characteristics and geographic features, evaluate the special requirement of urban development, making contributions to reginal planning decision-making. GIS, combined with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), serves as an effective tool in this context by integrating and transforming geographic data (input criteria) and value judgments (decision-makers’ preferences) to provide comprehensive assessments for selecting among alternative actions or prioritizing suitable lands for proposed uses (Malczewski, 2004). As Chen suggested, this project of Urban Growth Area suitability is using GIS and MCDA, using maps created by GIS, to seek Urban Development Area in the Greater Bendigo (2016).
In Greater Bendigo, GIS is utilized extensively to conduct land-use suitability analyses, identify potential development sites, and plan infrastructure improvements. The integration of GIS into planning strategies helps align development with environmental, social, and economic goals (Chen, 2016). The City of Greater Bendigo Housing Needs and Character Study highlights the application of GIS in identifying housing needs and planning for future growth areas, ensuring data-driven and context-sensitive urban development (City of Greater Bendigo, 2021a).
The Urban Development Program (UDP), established by the Victorian Government, is a key component of the framework for managing urban growth in Victoria. The program is aiming to provide adequate residential and industrial land availability in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria to accommodate population growth. This GIS-based planning project is expected to find suitable land to supply 17,700 dwelling units (DUs) over the next two decades, requiring approximately 1770 hectares of land in total.
The project aims to use ArcGIS Pro tools to input and analyze selected data based on the visions outlined in the Greater Bendigo Council Plan (2021-2025), Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy (2014), Greater Bendigo’s Managed Growth Strategy (MGS) and Greater Bendigo Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy (Draft) (2024). The rationale for selecting five key criteria will be detailed in the next section. A weighted overlay will be conducted to determine the most suitable sites for future urban development.
Project Objective Planning Goals
A Connected City
A connected city ensures that residents have easy access to major roads, public transport, and other nodes that facilitate both short and long-distance travel. Proximity to transport infrastructure is able to enhance the city’s efficiency, mobility, and connectivity both internally and within the regional scope. Additionally, the implementation of the 10-Minute Neighbourhood principle proposed by the GBHS also designates the importance and necessity of public transport.
A Resilient and Ecological City
Bendigo prioritizes the protection and sustainability of natural resources, forests and waterways, also involves implementing responsible practices to mitigate risks such as bushfires and floods. The development of UGA should balance the native vegetation reservation also the urban resilience to withstand the climate changes and environmental challenges and support a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
A Healthy City
A Healthy City should provide residents with easy access to open spaces and proximity to communal sports facilities to promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being. Physical health is a priority of creating a “healthy community” that the Greater Bendigo Residential Strategy (GBRS) 2014 proposed. In the future residential cluster development of UGA, it is vital to locate residential areas near the sports facilities and exercise spots as well as public parks.
A Compact City
This goal encourages to development of new UGA in proximity to the existing township or current urban area as result of which can take advantage of existing urban public resources, and infrastructure, promoting business activities and reducing costs to increase affordability (Chen, 2016). Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) proposed in the Greater Bendigo Council Plan (2021-2025) has been considered as existing urban area to align with the City Council’s future vision and goals.
A Liveable and Equitable City
A Liveable and Equitable city ensures that all residents have easy access to essential amenities such as education, healthcare, and communal space. The proximity to these amenities is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and promoting social equity. In Bendigo, planning for a liveable and equitable city involves locating future growth areas near educational institutions and health services, which are fundamental for every individual’s well-being.
Methodology: Data Collection and Hierarchy
Proximity to Major Road Major Road
A Connected City
Euclidean Distance
Proximity to Rail Station Rail Station Euclidean Distance
Proximity to Bus Stops Bus Stop
Water Area \
1) Extract from: PTV Regional Bus Routes
2) Euclidean Distance
Avoid Flood Risk
A Resilient and Ecological City
Avoid Bushfire Risk
Watercourse 200m Buffer Union and Dissolve
Overlay: Land Subject to Inundation (LSIO)
Selected by Attribute (Extract from Overlay)
Overlay: Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) Selected by Attribute (Extract from Overlay)
Avoid Forest Forest \
Elevation Elevation \
Proximity to PPRZ
A Healthy City
Planning Zone: Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ)
Proximity to Sport Facility Sport Facility
Urban Area
Existing Urban Area
A Compact City
1) Selected by Attribute (Extract from Planning Zones)
2) Euclidean Distance
1) Selected by Attribute (Extract from Features of Interest)
2) Euclidean Distance
1) Digiting UGB from Map of Bendigo City future land use directions
Vicmap Planning - Planning Scheme Zone Polygon https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/vicmap-planning-planningscheme-zone-polygon
Vicmap Features - Features of Interest (FOI) Point https://discover. data.vic.gov.au/dataset/vicmap-features-features-of-interest-foipoint
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
Existing Township Towns
Care Facility (including Child Care and Aged Care) Care Facility
Community Space Community Space
2) Use Union to combine Urban Area and UGB
3) Euclidean Distance
Euclidean Distance
1) Selected by Attribute (Extract from Features of Interest)
2) Euclidean Distance
1) Selected by Attribute (Extract from Features of Interest)
2) Euclidean Distance
Provided on LMS; Bendigo City future land use directions – Planning https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0034/639664/Group-3B_Map-10-LMS-Bendigo-City-futureland-use-directions_24April2014.pdf
Provided on LMS
Vicmap Features - Features of Interest (FOI) Point https://discover. data.vic.gov.au/dataset/vicmap-features-features-of-interest-foipoint
Vicmap Features - Features of Interest (FOI) Point https://discover. data.vic.gov.au/dataset/vicmap-features-features-of-interest-foipoint
A Liveable and Equitable City
Education Centre Education Centre
Recreational Resource Recreational Resource
1)Selected by Attribute (Extract from Features of Interest)
2) Euclidean Distance
1)Selected by Attribute (Extract from Features of Interest)
2) Euclidean Distance
Vicmap Features - Features of Interest (FOI) Point https://discover. data.vic.gov.au/dataset/vicmap-features-features-of-interest-foipoint
Vicmap Features - Features of Interest (FOI) Point https://discover. data.vic.gov.au/dataset/vicmap-features-features-of-interest-foipoint
Methodology: Data Collection and Intermediate Processing
According to the designated planning goals, the selection of suitable land involves a multi-criteria analysis and requires various types of data. Due to the diversity in data types and resources, different methods and tools in ArcGIS Pro are used for data collection, intermediate processing, and final analysis.
Intermediate Processing
Due to the diversity in data types, many datasets required to be processed according to the criteria and practical considerations before further entering the formal geoprocessing stage.
1. Select by Attribute and Extract from the Dataset
During data collection, many datasets are downloaded as packages containing various types of data, but often only a part or a specific component related to a sub-criteria is valid. For example, the locations of bus stops or various service facilities are just one component within their respective data packages, typically in point format which needs a separation before analysis. Similarly, for specific planning scheme zones and overlay studies, the necessary zones/overlays need to be extracted from the dataset within the City Council’s dataset for further analysis.
2. Euclidean Distance
Euclidean distance is used to measure the desired distance from any point to the nearest source, divided into equal intervals (sometimes also requires a manual division) for classification. In this project, many criteria requirements focus on “proximity to xxx” for more compact and efficient urban development. Euclidean distance can effectively measure the linear distance of the input data layer, making it an important metric for assessing the suitability of sites based on their proximity to essential infrastructure and services.
3. Reclassification
The reclassification process uses analytical tools standardized with a common and comprehensive scaling system. The purpose is to convert various linear distances into more intuitive and comparable values, with value=1 being the most suitable and value=10 the least suitable. Depending on the data type, some datasets use a continuous range, while others use a binary scale for classifying data as suitable or unsuitable, or even restricted (e.g., forest areas, BMO, and flooding areas are legally and safely considered unsuitable for development).
4. Weighted Overlay Analysis
The weighted overlay analysis integrates various criteria into a comprehensive evaluation using ArcGIS. In this geoprocessing step, all reclassified layers are assigned different weights based on their importance and contribution to suitability. The analysis balances multiple datasets, each representing different suitability criteria, and applies weights to reflect their relative importance. For instance, from the literature review, I learned that Bendigo is highly dependent on private cars, and transportation is crucial both within Victoria’s regional areas and Bendigo itself. Therefore, the criteria related to “A Connected City” were assigned the highest weight of 30% among the five goals. Conversely, I believe the focus on existing service facilities in “A Liveable and Equitable City” is to enhance residents’ welfare, happiness, and quality of life, which will evolve with urban development and sprawl. Hence, I assigned it the lowest weight of 10%. Recreational resources, linked to outdoor entertainment facilities related to natural resources, require careful consideration of the balance with natural conditions and were given a weight of 4%. The other criteria were assigned weights of 2%.
A Connected City
In this analysis, the project proposed the evaluation of proximity to major roads, rail stations, and bus stops as sub-criteria. Bendigo is a city heavily dependent on private cars. The accesses to Bendigo‘s city center and other major townships within the City of Greater Bendigo, as well as other cities in Victoria, relies on an extensive network of highways and major roads. The coverage and accessibility of the transport network are crucial criteria. Additionally, as an essential part of public transportation, railways and buses ensure residents can easily access essential services and amenities within a short distance from their homes as the concept of “10 Minute Neighborhoods” proposed by the Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy.
Map 3. Bendigo Road Network
Map 6. Bendigo Rail Network
Map 9. Bendigo Bus Network
The analysis in this section includes avoiding development in high-risk areas identified by overlays such as the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) and the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO). Flood-prone areas to avoid include water bodies and existing waterways with a 200-meter buffer zone as well as the LSIO. Additionally, Urban Growth Area (UGA) development is restricted in forested regions. Elevation has also been taken into consideration.
Map 13. Reclassified Map of Waterways (with 200 metre buffer)
Map 14. Reclassified Map of Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)
Map 15. Reclassified Map of Forest
Map 16. Reclasified Value of Elevation
CAMPASPE
LODDON
CAMPASPE
LODDON
MITCHELL
CAMPASPE LODDON
A Healthy City
A healthy city requires easy access to public parks and sports-related infrastructure to promote physical health. This section introduces the Public Parks and Recreation Zone (PPRZ) from the Planning Scheme as a key sub-criteria, alongside sports facilities such as swimming pools, sports grounds, and sports clubhouses. roximity to these features will continuously enhance accessibility and provide residents with daily opportunities to engage in physical activities. This approach not
supports
and
Heathcote
STRATHBOGIE
CAMPASPE
MITCHELL
Map 18. Euclidean Distance
Map 19. Reclassified Distance Value of PPRZ
Map 20. Euclidean Distance from Sport Facility
Map 21. Reclassified Distance Value of Sport Facility
CAMPASPE
LODDON
A Compact City
This goal requires new UGA proximity to existing urban areas to ensure a compact future development. The locations of existing townships and urban areas of the City of Greater Bendigo are the key parameters in this specific criteria. Considering the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) proposed by Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy (2018) and various statewide strategic plans, UGB also introduced and combined with urban areas as the most preferable selection of UGA.
22. Bendigo Urban Map
Map
CAMPASPE
A Liveable and Equitable City
Access to amenities not only improves convenience but also supports employment, as sectors like healthcare, retail, and education are major employers in Bendigo. This criterion considers the proximity to amenities which cover different needs of residents, namely Health Care Facilities, Educational Centres, Community Space and Recreational resources for amusement and outdoor activities.
Map 27. Bendigo Care Facility
CAMPASPE
LODDON
Map 30. Bendigo Community Space
CAMPASPE
CAMPASPE
Map 33. Bendigo Education Centre
CAMPASPE LODDON
Map 36. Bendigo Recreational Resource
CAMPASPE
LODDON
CAMPASPE
LODDON
MITCHELL MOUNT ALEXANDER
Marong
UGA Outcome
Map 40. Bendigo Suitable UGA
Once the Weighted Overlay Map is finalized (Map 39), the restricted areas are shown in grey, and the suitability areas (from most suitable to least suitable) are clearly indicated, making it easy to identify targeted areas. However, the targeted UGA should avoid already established urban areas and must be within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) according to the Council’s development plan and strategy. In the next steps, the most suitable areas (shown in blue) were selected and extracted, then erased from the existing urban areas and clipped by the UGB. The remaining areas were converted to single polygons for further area calculation and selection to accommodate 17,700 dwellings. All suitable areas are illustrated on Map 40 in blue, some of which are fragmented.
For overall regional development and a total 1770 ha area of UGA, the two largest areas were selected as the targeted UGA: UGA 1, covering 1,636 hectares, and UGA 2, covering 200 hectares. UGA 1 is an elongated area extending from the eastern edge of Bendigo’s already developed urban region northward to Huntly, approximately 12 km away. This UGA effectively connects the developed urban region and falls within the UGB. To balance regional development, a smaller area (200 hectares) in Bendigo’s west was selected as UGA 2. This area is roughly at the geometric centre of the triangle formed by Marong, Eaglehawk, and Bendigo, close to existing urban resources. Although Marong is outside the UGB, it has substantial urban resources, including an existing train station, a green corridor, and a proposed train line, which is designated as the new TOD area and suburban activity centre (City of Greater Bendigo, 2014a).
The new development of UGA will trigger the demand and establishment of a new public transport network, which can enhance and promote the regional economic development of Bendigo, attracting more population and creating job opportunities.
Model Builder Flowchart
Conclusion Reference List
As an effective spatial data analysis tool, GIS can be applied to multi-criteria analysis and evaluate land suitability assessment based on spatial reference data and features. It allows planners to consider as many as possible parameters in GIS and make adjustments flexibly where necessary using a Moder Builder. In addition, GIS can communicate the appropriate results visually and directly by creating maps and information, which is also an effective method for urban planning decision-making.
On the other hand, weighted overlay analysis can be effectively utilized for projects involving multiple criteria. It allows for the manipulation and adjustment of each criterion’s influence and percentage, making the process more flexible and faster. The weighted of each component is essential since different weighted changes may result in different outcome. Chen (2016) argues that selecting criteria carefully based on area needs is critical, and weighing the criteria is pivotal. The ‘most suitable’ land is the area that meets the needs of future residents.
Recommendations and Limitations
1. Euclidean distance measures linear distance and proximity but does not consider accessibility. To address this, a network analysis should be conducted to evaluate accessibility to source points more accurately. It should take account of barriers, providing a more precise assessment.
2. The project aims to supply housing in the next twenty years. It is crucial to integrate other strategic plans such as Greening Greater Bendigo, Plan Greater Bendigo, and Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021. Future activity centres, green corridors, hospitals, and other features of interest should be considered to create a more integrated and comprehensive long-term plan.
Bolstad, P. (2006). An Introduction to GIS. In GIS Fundamentals (3rd edition) (3rd ed., pp. 1–22). Eider Press. https://canvas.lms.unimelb.edu.au/ courses/184053/pages/an-introduction-to-gis?module_item_id=5787513
Chen, S. (2016). Land-use suitability analysis for urban development in Regional Victoria: A case study of Bendigo. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 9(4), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.5897/jgrp2015.0535
City of Greater Bendigo. (2014). Greater Bendigo Housing Strategy. In City of Greater Bendigo. Provided on LMS
City of Greater Bendigo. (2021a). City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan 20212025. In City of Greater Bendigo. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from https:// www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/City-of-GreaterBendigo-Council-Plan-2021-2025.pdf
City of Greater Bendigo. (2021b). Regional Profile and Information | City of Greater Bendigo. Retrieved July 14, 2024, from https://www.bendigo.vic. gov.au/about-us/our-region/regional-profile-and-information
City of Greater Bendigo. (2023). Greater Bendigo’s Managed Growth Strategy (MGS). In City of Greater Bendigo. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https:// www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-05/City-Greater-BendigoAttachment-Draft-Managed-Growth-Strategy.pdf
City of Greater Bendigo. (2024). Greater Bendigo Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy. In City of Greater Bendigo. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-05/CityGreater-Bendigo-Attachment-Draft-GBHNCS.pdf
Malczewski, J. (2004). GIS-based Land-use Suitability Analysis: A Critical Overview. Progress in Planning, 62(1), 3–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.progress.2003.09.002
