Bannockburn Growth Plan
Have Your Say about the Bannockburn Growth Plan
About
WHAT IS THE BANNOCKBURN GROWTH PLAN?
The Bannockburn Growth Plan (Growth Plan) will guide the sustainable growth of Bannockburn to the year 2050. The Growth Plan will identify where and when future housing may be developed. It will also identify what infrastructure is needed to support the growing community, such as roads and community facilities, and land for employment and retail. The Growth Plan will set out how the town is likely to change in the future. This will provide certainty to the local community about what changes to expect in Bannockburn in the next 30 years.
WHY IS THE BANNOCKBURN GROWTH PLAN REQUIRED?
Bannockburn is one of the fastest growing towns in regional Victoria. The population is expected to reach more than 13,000 people by 2036, but there’s a shortage of land available to develop for new houses. The Growth Plan will identify the most appropriate land for houses and ensure the infrastructure is provided to support these new homes. Bannockburn is the largest town in Golden Plains Shire. The Victorian Government and Council see it as an ideal place to support Golden Plains’ growing population, thanks to its existing infrastructure and amenity.
HOW WILL THE VPA AND COUNCIL DECIDE WHAT LAND TO IDENTIFY FOR HOUSING?
Development will be directed away from areas:
- with high environmental values
- with an unmanageable bushfire risk
- that are highly productive for agricultural purpose
- that can’t be easily serviced by infrastructure
- that are too steep.
These decisions will be informed by technical reports and by working with agencies such as the Country Fire Authority and Barwon Water.
Engagement Update
Golden Plains Shire Council and the VPA want to give Golden Plains Shire residents the ability to shape the future of Bannockburn. We want to know which of these opportunities is important to you:
GROWTH AND RENEWAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Identify precincts for new housing to accommodate short-term, medium-term and long-term growth.
- Define and protect Bannockburn’s rural character.
- Plan for smaller houses (such as townhouses and units) close to existing services.
- Protect heritage sites.
- Direct growth away from productive agricultural land.
- Collect funding from developers to fund infrastructure required to support new development.
- Consider buffers between urban and rural land uses.
ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Encourage investment in the current town centre as the main activity centre.
- Plan for additional retail land to meet the needs of the growing population.
- Investigate appropriate locations for industrial development.
- Provide opportunities for local employment.Ensure growth does not affect the opertation and expansion of nearby agricultural uses.
- Ensure growth does not affect the operation and expansion of nearby agricultural uses.
ENVIRONMENT AND WATER OPPORTUNITIES
- Identify open space and define its role.
- Improve connections to Bannockburn lagoon as a recreational fishing location.
- Enhance the environmental and recreational opportunities associated with Bruce’s Creek.
- Identify and protect existing biodiversity.
- Explore the use of recycled water for urban, environmental and agricultural uses.
- Ensure buffers from existing businesses and sites with adverse amenity.
INFRASTRUCTURE OPPORTUNITIES
- Consider a heavy vehicle bypass road.
- Improve connectivity across Bruce’s Creek and the railway corridor.
- Identify infrastructure for education and community needs.
- Define a future transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Advocate for a passenger rail service between Geelong, Bannockburn and Ballarat.
- Advocate for an improved bus network within and connecting to Bannockburn.
There are a number of ways to have your voice heard:
- Complete the online survey here
- Chat with Council or VPA staff to discuss your ideas and learn more about the Growth Plan as per the contact details below.
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VICTORIAN PLANNING AUTHORITY
Emily Killin
Senior Strategic Planner
Tel: 03 9651 9681
emily.killin@vpa.vic.gov.auGOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL
Laura Wilks
Strategic Planning Team Leader
Tel: 03 5220 7271
laura.wilks@gplains.vic.gov.au
Timeline
1 March: Survey opens
31 March: Survey closes
July: Draft Growth Plan Prepared
December: Final Growth Plan
Contact Information
Links
Residents seeking further information regarding the Bannockburn Growth Plan click here.
Sign up to the Community Engagement Register to stay informed about opportunities relevant to you: Sign up
More Information
If you have any queries, concerns, requests or complaints please feel free to contact Customer Service.
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Council acknowledges the traditional Wadawurrung owners of this land. Council pays its respects to Wadawurrung Elders both past and present and extends that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are part of Golden Plains Shire.
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