The development of the Bendigo GovHub is a State Government project. A GovHub puts together a range of government services in one place, creating a one-stop-shop for customers. In the case of Bendigo, there is an opportunity for Council services to be co-located in the GovHub alongside various State Government departments, including 100 new State Government jobs.

Currently, City staff are spread across seven offices in central Bendigo. Recommendation 11 of the 2013 Independent Review of the City recognised there would be many benefits of consolidating these offices into one building to allow for the more efficient delivery of services. Office co-location was named as one of the top 10 priorities from the Independent Review process and the former Council accepted all recommendations in-principle.

The previous Council’s endorsement of the Independent Review directed staff to drive the operational investigations of a future GovHub. At the beginning of this Council term Councillors were briefed on the project. Council’s current budget and annual plan includes actions to develop a concept plan and advocate for support. The GovHub project aligns with the Community Plan under the goals Lead and govern for all; Wellbeing and fairness; Presentation and managing growth; and Environmental Sustainability.

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In the 2017/2018 State Budget, $1m was allocated for the State Government to investigate the feasibility of developing a GovHub in Bendigo. As part of this work, site identification was completed and found the City site in Lyttleton Terrace was the most suitable. In May this year the State Government allocated $16m to further progress the project, with a view to seeking private sector investment to complete it. The announcement was widely covered.

This is a State Government-led project and Council is considering what its contribution would be. No formal decision has been made by Council regarding ownership options of land in Lyttleton Terrace. It is proposed that four buildings would be removed from the Lyttleton Terrace site to make way for the GovHub. These buildings have been built at various stages over previous decades, so are expensive to run and do not meet modern office standards.

Council is seeking further independent advice regarding financial and development models. It is expected this information will come to a public Council meeting in the coming months, with staff and the State Government seeking Council’s endorsement of the project. Council is conscious of its financial responsibilities and making a sound decision that does not create a financial burden. Council would like to see more new jobs come to Bendigo as part of this project and will continue to advocate to all sides of government on behalf of ratepayers for this to occur.

Council appreciates a GovHub is an opportunity to enhance government service delivery to our community and revitalise central Bendigo through its construction and ongoing operation. However, I can assure residents that Council will carefully consider all information available before deciding how it can best be involved in the project.

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