The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to announce that plans for a new employment precinct have progressed with the purchase of land.
The City has signed contracts to purchase 155 hectares within the preferred 280-hectare precinct along the Wimmera and Calder Alternative Highways, south of the Marong township.
This site was identified in the Marong Township Structure Plan, adopted by Council last year and will now be developed as the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP).
City Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said the land purchase was a significant step towards developing BREP to support new and expanding businesses in Greater Bendigo and attract investment long term.
"Council has long seen the need for more industrial land, especially large parcels of unconstrained and strategically located land. Industrial land is currently in short supply in Greater Bendigo, with less than 10 years' supply left," Mr Niemann said.
"The City has spent the last two years going through a process of assessing market needs and then considering 600 potential sites. We have also given individuals an opportunity to put forward potentially suitable sites.
"The purchased land was not compulsorily acquired. We have been in discussions with landowners who were willing to sell and a fair market value was negotiated. The purchase price is commercial in confidence information.
"We are very pleased to be able to announce this successful outcome to meet Greater Bendigo's long-term employment and industry needs.
"From here, the City can appoint consultants to begin the various detailed planning studies that are required, and the City will work with the State Government to determine the best process for rezoning the land. The community will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback as part of the planning process.
"We can now progress this priority project to ensure Greater Bendigo can attract and retain vital business investment to support future jobs for our community."
The City has informed property owners located within the employment precinct and close to the site on the next steps in planning and developing the purchased land. Letters have also been sent to residents in the wider Marong community with details about BREP.
