Population growth is forcing our City of Greater Bendigo to review its planning and development strategy, because the population is expected to grow to 150,000.
Bendigo is facing what all cities eventually face with the growth in population and the problems associated with land use and space available.
Bendigo has had a traditional low-density and low-rise urban character held by residents as the ideal of the Australian dream. But population growth is a major underlying factor for the demand for housing. Perhaps the Advertiser could run a vote on the question: Would you live in high-density housing ?
Yes – we can’t keep sprawling or No – I need a backyard.
As carried out by the Adelaide Advertiser, with surprising results. Should we commit to urban sprawl, or increase the use of space in the CBD with high-rise, high density development? As research suggests those most likely to consider high-density living are singles, couples without children or retirees.
The other problems are waste management, water and energy, and high cost of traffic management.
Like David Jones, I feel our councillors should speak up as to where they stand on issues which affect the ratepayers and citizens of Bendigo.
Bill Collier,
Golden Square
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