Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme Amendment C263gben, which applies to Marong, has come into effect following Minister for Planning approval.
Amendment C263gben implements the Marong Township Structure Plan 2020 (re-adopted in 2024), the Marong Flood Study 2018 (North Central Catchment Authority) and the Marong Heritage Citations (Minerva Heritage).
The land affected is within and adjacent to the township of Marong and the amendment changes zones and overlays to land in the Marong township. Specifically, the amendment:
- Rezones land within the Marong township from Township Zone to Neighbourhood Residential Zone Schedule 3 and Mixed-use Zone Schedule 3
- Expands Commercial 1 Zoning and updates floor area maximums
- Applies new overlays to guide development, character and bushfire protection
- Applies the Heritage Overlay to 8 new places including statements of significance for each
- Implements the Marong Flood Study, along with new Local Flood Development Plan by introducing the Floodway Overlay and the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
- Identifies new residential growth areas for future rezoning to accommodate a population of approximately 8,000 people
The amendment process and approval were in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The Amendment was considered by an independent panel, and recommendations were supported by Council. The Minister for Planning has the final say and made some changes to the amendment before approving it.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf welcomed the approval of the Amendment as an important step for guiding Marong's future development.
"Marong is expected to grow over the next 25 years with an estimated population of 8,000 people and this Planning Scheme Amendment implements the Marong Township Structure Plan. The Amendment supports creating a compact, well-planned township with a vibrant town centre," Cr Metcalf said.
"The completion of this Amendment allows the consideration of new rezoning applications in the Marong growth areas and complements the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct project."
The approved Amendment C263gben is the first in a series of planning scheme amendments to support the future growth of Marong. Other projects currently underway include:
- The preparation of a Shared Infrastructure Contributions Plan for Marong
- Planning for the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct by the Victorian Planning Authority
- Planning for the Marong Western Freight Corridor by the Department of Transport and Planning - Transport
- The rezoning of the residential growth precincts in accordance with the City's Private Planning Scheme Amendment Policy
The Marong Township Structure Plan was originally adopted in September 2020. The Amendment C263gben was exhibited for six weeks from May to July 2023, and the independent planning panel hearing was held in February 2024. Council adopted C263gben in June 2024. The Minister for Planning approved with changes and gazetted the Amendment on May 29, 2025.
