Community Members Raise Points on Bendigo Council Budget and Heritage Proposals

Greater Bendigo City Council adopted a $280 million budget for 2026-27 that directs nearly $100 million toward roads, buildings, parks and community facilities. The decision comes as the council operates in caretaker mode ahead of the October 24 election, with postal voting already underway.

Budget Allocations and Daily Impact

The funding split places substantial resources into infrastructure categories that residents use regularly. Money set aside for roads and community facilities directly touches maintenance and access across the municipality. People living near these assets have noted that choices on how the nearly $100 million portion is spent will shape upkeep of everyday public spaces.

Heritage Overlays and Site Concerns

Council is examining heritage overlays for 18 sites. One location under discussion involves the former Bendigo Timber Company Store, where a proposed $30 million hotel development could require demolition. Residents familiar with the building have pointed out that any overlay decision will influence both preservation and future construction options in the city centre.

Separately, a remediation plan for Bendigo Creek contamination linked to the former Bendigo Gasworks site has been approved by an independent auditor and the EPA. A site management plan is scheduled to follow over the next six months. Community members living along the creek corridor have highlighted the importance of the timeline for water quality and surrounding land use.

Planning Amendment Process

Council approved Planning Scheme Amendment C279gben to implement the Bendigo City Centre Plan. The amendment introduces a new Activity Centre Zone and removes minimum parking requirements. The full process, including ministerial authorisation and public exhibition, is expected to run 12-18 months. Those following development rules in the central area have observed that the outcome will affect how new projects are designed and approved.

The council also released a draft Managed Growth Strategy that directs future population growth toward an additional 87,000 residents by mid-2056. Community members tracking housing and infrastructure needs have linked this strategy to the budget decisions now in place.

Next steps include continued public exhibition periods for Amendment C279gben and further council consideration of the heritage overlay proposals. Residents can review documents through the Greater Bendigo City Council website and submit feedback during formal exhibition windows.