The City of Bendigo confirmed it has been approached by a number of industrial land owners offering their properties for sale following its unsuccessful pursuit of land in Marong for a business park, but is not entertaining them.
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The state government in July rejected a COGB plan to compulsorily acquire a section of the Carters’ farm west of the city, ending a 16-year struggle between the family and the council.
The council had contacted the Carters a number of times regarding a purchase and had one offer formally rejected by the family before COGB councillors voted in favour of a forced sale at a meeting in April.
The COGB is not considering the recent offers, the nature of which will not be made public.
Director of Strategy and Growth Bernie O’Sullivan said the proposals were “handy information” for the council to consider when planning for the future.
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“We expect land availability has changed since investigations first started on developing a business park in Greater Bendigo,” he said.
“While it is good to know what is available, the immediate priority for the city will be working with the Victorian Planning Authority and other stakeholders to update our Industrial Land Use Strategy.”
It comes as the council and the VPA recently announced a project called the Bendigo West Framework Plan.
Mr O’Sullivan said the project seeks to plan and coordinate the expected growth on the west side of Bendigo, in areas like Maiden Gully and Marong, to ensure growth is sequenced and supported by infrastructure and employment opportunities.
“There’s some connections between the proposed Bendigo West Framework Plan and the new industrial strategy, however, they are separate pieces of work,” he said.
“The need for new industrial land to service the future jobs of Bendigo is a priority for the city, and as part of this, all areas of the municipality will be assessed.”
The state government rezoned farming land in Marong for industrial use in August 2017, paving the way for compulsory acquisition, which never eventuated.
And while the land is still zoned Comprehensive Development Zone it may be rezoned after the industrial land strategy is finalised.
A spokesperson for Planning Minister Richard Wynne said: “The Business Park will create jobs and industry for the area, but it is important to find the right location for the community.”
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