Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct - the City of Greater Bendigo's highest priority advocacy project - has been rezoned as industrial land.
The 294ha precinct is located along the Wimmera and Calder Alternative Highways south of the Marong township and will deliver a long-term pipeline of industrial land.
The rezoning, as recently confirmed by the Minister for Planning, includes a Development Plan Overlay to support a staged development of the precinct.
City Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the rezoning had come at a critical time.
"Our aim was to finalise the rezoning prior to the State election to support our continued advocacy for additional funding to progress detailed planning and site preparations for trunk infrastructure, with the aim of having lots available by 2032," Mr Cooney said.
"Greater Bendigo has an estimated seven years of industrial land supply remaining. The BREP presents a significant greenfield development opportunity to create a flagship industrial precinct that can support existing local businesses to expand, welcome new industry to our region, strengthen the agricultural supply chain and position the region to capitalise on the growing mineral sands sector in north-west Victoria.
"When complete, we estimate that approximately 3,000 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs will be created at the BREP. As a dual benefit, the infrastructure investment can also unlock housing development.
"The next steps include finalising trunk infrastructure requirements for the site and developing an attraction and investment plan to drive awareness of the site's potential and attract businesses to the region."
The Victorian Government via Regional Development Victoria has invested $6M to prepare a range of studies that outline how the site can be developed and identify the most appropriate businesses. Some of these funds have also supported a Coliban Water pipe upgrade.
The 2020 Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy acknowledged Greater Bendigo was experiencing a significant industrial land shortfall and struggling to meet demand, while the 2020 Marong Township Structure Plan and 2024 revised Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy identified the preferred 294ha BREP site for industrial development in Marong. In 2021, the City purchased 155ha within this preferred site.
