YET another survey has shown Bendigo residents what most of us already know - and that is that we are lucky enough to live in one of this country's most liveable cities.
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The RMIT report identifies Victoria's trio of premier regional cities - Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong - as being among the most livable, but the praise comes with a warning we are on the cusp of getting it wrong.
Our gathering urban sprawl is an issue for planners, developers, government and indeed the entire community.
The further we spread the more it costs for the vital infrastructure we need to service new residential areas.
Think transport systems, think water and sewage, electricity and gas networks to cater for a population expected to surpass 200,000 in the next 30-35 years.
Experts say central areas and the surrounding equally established suburbs tend to be better serviced than new areas, and that is a concern for a city growing at 1.7 per cent annually.
The further we move away from the heart of the city, the greater the disparity.
If access to appropriate services is compromised for people in the suburban fringes, their health and wellbeing is also affected, setting off a chain of pressures upon society.
Bendigo's growth cannot be curtailed, but it must be managed and the involvement of all three tiers of government in funding the necessary infrastructure is essential.
The regional centres offer an important alternative to the never-ending sprawl of Melbourne and Sydney, and it's not too late to act.
We are a viable alternative for industry. We offer cheaper land and housing, excellent health and education services and a booming financial sector.
We have a great story to tell - even in these challenging times where it might be difficult to look beyond immediate problems.
We cannot afford to lose sight of the future, not just the next year or five years, but the future that's over the horizon and generations away.
We owe it to future generations to plan ahead, as best we can, for the world we want to leave them.
Peter Kennedy
Peter has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles within the local media industry across more than three decades, and enjoys being part of a team committed to keeping Bendigo up to date with the latest news and sport.
Peter has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles within the local media industry across more than three decades, and enjoys being part of a team committed to keeping Bendigo up to date with the latest news and sport.
