Bendigo Manufacturing Group excited to see Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct project take next step

BMG chairman Mark Brennan said Bendigo Manufacturing Group members saw land acquisition for the BREP development as a positive step forward.

"This really is something very concrete," he said. "Rather than hearing something would happen and then side issues preventing its success, this is a solid and positive step forward. The entire Bendigo Manufacturing Group is pleased with the outcome.

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"There is still more planning to come and a lot of work to be done and we will be pushing for it to be sooner rather than later. We want to see activity there and businesses set up as soon as practicable. We're not clear when that will be (but) we don't want another long term vision."

Mr Brennan said a number of members had businesses that had grown over the years were struggling to expand given the industrial land shortage in the Bendigo region.

"There are definitely (BMG) members that have got footprint issues with businesses that have grown over the years and are looking for expansion," he said. "This is an opportunity for them to expand, (and one) that will create more jobs.

"One of the founding instruments that helped put the Bendigo Manufacturing Group together was council recognising they needed something (about a shortage of) industrial land. The first task that brought larger manufacturers together was to consult with council and give guidance on a good approach. That was 19 or 20 years ago.

"Manufacturing is one of the most significant contributors to Bendigo's economy and is worth about $2.5 billion."

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Mr Brennan said council had done well to deal with community concerns following an effort to take land from owners in 2018.

"Well done on council approaching (the purchase) that way and being creative," he said. "The good thing was people came forward and were willing sellers.

"It's near the Calder Alternate Highway, so access is good, we just need infrastructure there. It will be a good thing for Marong and should drive infrastructure, upgrades and support to that community. No doubt jobs will be created there and more people find themselves settling in the town."

Mr Brennan said people should expect the new precinct to be environmentally friendly and not "factories belching black smoke".

"When we talked about (finding more industrial land) a few years ago, we ran forum with council and invited communities to talk to us about it," he said. "Lots of people come and said they don't want factories belching black smoke into the air. That's not the industry we are talking about.

"It's not going to be some industrial wasteland. This is anticipated as a green, sustainable project. There is going to be measures and systems put in place... businesses won't be able operate unless it is in a sustainable way. It will be up to them to demonstrate they can and I'm confident they will."

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