As a local business owner I welcome the City of Greater Bendigo’s approval of Simonds Homes’ 700-lot Evergreen Waters estate to be established at Jackass Flat.

I concur with mayor Rod Campbell’s comments that it will provide a boost to both our local building industry and our local economy.

The sector in which my business, McKern Steel, operates, stands to directly benefit from the increase of new homes, which will no doubt expand employment opportunities.

Beyond that there will be a positive ripple effect across the region.

I specifically refer to a statement from Simonds Group general manager Paul McMahon that 2730 direct and indirect jobs will be created during and beyond the seven-year life of the project.

It is also important that the sustainability requirements and the management of native vegetation have been closely considered in the approval process.

McKern Steel proudly operates from its long-established premises in Victoria Street, Eaglehawk, from which we service the entire state, including the majority of Victoria’s top home-building companies.

We relish any opportunity to “keep it local” and we see this new development as exactly that.

Michael McKern,

managing director,

McKern Steel