Bendigo councillors will consider ways to manage nearly 3500 historic artefacts dating back to 1855 when they meet next Wednesday.
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It comes after a 2018 report found there was a critical need for a facility to store historic items for community collections.
An ongoing audit of the council's collection of objects across nine sites has found it is nearing a level similar to the Bendigo Art Gallery's collection of 5000.
A "balanced, transparent and consistent" approach was needed to managing and developing the collection, the report to council stated.
The report considered the feasibility of extending the Bendigo Regional Archive Centre in Nolon Street, North Bendigo.
The council would also on Wednesday consider giving the OK for work to begin on a detailed design plan for the site.
The plans and costings could then be used in a business case for a storage and preservation facility, which the report said could be one of several solutions for the area's collection issues.
The report also called for an investigation into potential project partners and state funding assistance.
Flora Hill residents demand a say
The council will formerly respond to a petition demanding they have input into development at Flora Hill's Wolstencroft Reserve.
“We feel that we have not been informed or consulted in the decision making progress associated with the Wolstencroft Reserve and surrounding area development since April 2017,” the petition stated.
In April 2017, the city resolved to do an environmental audit of the reserve to determine possible uses.
Council staff have recommended notifying residents that a public consultation process would begin in May with work on a master plan for the former landfill site.
It also noted that while there had been no consultation since April 2017, the council would consider the results of a recent Wolstencroft Area Action Group community survey when master plan work began.
Jackass Flat plan
Staff have recommended councillors green-light a development plan for a 72 lot subdivision at 11 Harvey's lane, Jackass Flat.
The plan would be a step towards a planning permit including removing native vegetation at the site.
Some residents have raised concerns about the plan, including that development would mean the area lost its semi-rural feel, as well as loss of wildlife and increased traffic. The report recommended council approve the plan, noting it was consistent, on balance, with a 2007 Jackass Flat structure plan and would be in line with policies encouraging more urban housing.
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