Development of the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct has reached a significant milestone, with the Planning Scheme Amendment to rezone the site released for public comment.
The amendment seeks to rezone the BREP site to an industrial zone and introduce a Development Plan Overlay to support staged delivery of the site.
At the September 2025 Council Meeting, Council endorsed development of the BREP as its number one project.
The BREP is a 294ha site located along the Wimmera and Calder Alternative Highways south of the Marong township. The Victorian Government via Regional Development Victoria has invested $6M to prepare a range of studies that will 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.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said the aim was to finalise the rezoning process prior to next year’s State election.
“This is an important infrastructure project for our community and wider region. It will deliver a long-term industrial supply pipeline, allow existing businesses to grow, attract new businesses and free up smaller industrial lots for those that need them,” Mr Cooney said.
“Previous studies suggested that approximately 10 years of industrial land supply remain on paper. However, recent analysis by the Victorian Planning Authority indicates that factors such as lot size and development readiness may have reduced the amount of land that is genuinely available for development.
“When complete, it is envisaged that approximately 3,000 direct and potentially 3,000 indirect jobs will be created at the BREP, delivering $9.5B in economic benefits. The site is planned to be developed in six stages, with stage 1 expected to generate 1,150 jobs and $3.3B in economic uplift.
“As we think about a future population of 200,000 people by 2050 and Marong being highlighted as a key growth area, the BREP will be essential for providing jobs.
“The City is in the process of advocating for $27M in further funding to progress detailed planning in 2026/2027, so as the project is ready for trunk infrastructure delivery (power, water, sewer, roads etc.) in 2028/2029 and having lots available by approximately 2032.”
Since 2020, the City has prepared three strategic documents confirming demand for industrial land and where a future site would be best located.
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.
Engagement opportunities include:
- Monday December 8, online via Zoom, 5.30pm - 6.30pm
- Thursday December 11, Marong Shire Hall, 2pm - 7pm. Drop-in session
- Tuesday February 3, online via Zoom, 5pm - 6pm
- Thursday February 5, location TBC, 11am - 2pm. Drop-in session
To register for one or more sessions, to make a submission or to find out more, visit: