LAND in Bendigo’s west, or even in Loddon Shire, remains the most likely location for a business park as the council begins work on a new industrial land strategy.
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The City of Greater Bendigo has been approached by food manufacturing, freight and logistics, and agribusiness companies in the last month seeking land to either expand or to establish in central Victoria.
The council has also had landholders offer land for sale, but they will be considered once an industrial land use strategy has been completed towards the end of 2019.
A new industrial land strategy for Bendigo has been prioritised by the Victorian Planning Authority and a draft is expected in the first half of 2019, updating the last strategy from 2006.
It will guide the council as it seeks to find new land following the state government’s refusal to allow the compulsory acquisition of the Carter’s land at Marong.
Council director strategy and growth Bernie O’Sullivan said “a lot has changed in Bendigo in 20 years” and a business park was needed soon to respond to business demand.
He said a regional approach, rather than just looking within the City of Greater Bendigo, was the best option and there could be one large park, or several smaller ones, with western Bendigo’s transport connections favourable.
“Time is not on our side, both in supporting businesses to grow and to give those that want to move to our region the land to do so,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We know business parks are critical to our future, particularly if the population will reach 200,000 by 2050. The urgency has not and will not go away.
“We need to find out what is the best and most timely way to achieve industrial sites.”
The strategy was listed in the Victorian Planning Authority’s statement of expectations for 2018/19.
The creation of a business park to the west of Bendigo has been supported by neighbouring shires, including Loddon and Buloke.
Buloke Shire mayor David Pollard said the area was ideal, given its connections with road networks and the potential for future freight rail.
“The business park will benefit everywhere to the north and west,” he said.
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