Update
The Panel hearing has been scheduled for Monday June 15, 2026 starting at 10.00am and will be conducted online by video conference via Microsoft Teams. Planning Panels Victoria has contacted all who made submissions to notify them of the hearing and to confirm whether they wish to be heard. The Panel hearing will be open to anyone to observe.
Information about Planning panels can be found at the Planning Panels Victoria website. Following the hearing, the Panel will submit its report to Council at a date yet to be determined.
Background
The City of Greater Bendigo has prepared planning scheme amendment C285gben (the Amendment) to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.
The Amendment covers land in:
- The suburbs of Bendigo, California Gully, Eaglehawk, Epsom, Flora Hill, Golden Gully, Golden Square, Jackass Flat, Kangaroo Flat, Kennington, Quarry Hill, Spring Gully and West Bendigo;
- The towns of Heathcote and Marong; and
- The localities of Argyle, Big Hill, Lockwood South and Shelbourne.
Specifically, the Amendment proposes to:
- Correct zoning and overlay mapping errors and anomalies.
- Remove unnecessary planning overlays from several properties.
- Correct the planning scheme text to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
- Rezone one privately-owned property from the Industrial 3 Zone to a Neighbourhood Residential Zone (consistent with its current use).
- Apply the Heritage Overlay to two privately-owned properties and part of 23 properties (all privately owned).
The Amendment was on public exhibition from Thursday October 23 until Monday December 22, 2025. Following this exhibition, submissions were received to oppose the Amendment. At its Monday April 20 2026 meeting, Council resolved to request the Minister for Planning to appoint a Planning Panel and to refer all submissions received to the Amendment to that Panel for a recommendation.
The Planning Panel was appointed by the Minister for Planning on Wednesday April 29, 2026 and a Directions hearing was held online on Tuesday May 19, 2026.