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LODDON-CAMPASPEREGIONAL STUDY

TOWARDS BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING IND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

I.NT ER IM REP 0 RT

BENDIGO SUB-REGION.

SEPTEMBER 19?5. . .;

.. FOREWORD

This j;s the Interim Report of the regional study being undertaken in the Loddon-Campaspe Region concurrent with a similar study of the Central Highlands Region. Chapter One, apart from explaining the stimulus for the studies and setting out their aims and objectives, describes the way in which the studies are being managed and conducted. It.was recognized from the outset that the normal approach to the study would have been to apprais·e the whole. region . first and then to investigate in greater detail particular areas, such as the Bendigo urban area. However, in view of the events leading up to the commence­ ment of the studies, it was decided to stUdy the Bendigo sub-region before examining and assessing the whole of the Loddon-Cam:paspe Region. Chapter Two comprises an overall appraisal of the Bendigo sub-region. The Working Document contains a summary of the work undertaken in the sub-region. In.a number of cases problems have been encountered in obtaining appropriate information. A major contributing factor to this has. been the difficulty.experienced by departments and authorities in providing . current and projected information on a sub-regional and regional basis. In view of the time element and the importance of' proceeding with the regional evaluations,. the content therefore represents an expression· of the ~formation which is available at this time. Where possible, information gaps will be attended to in the Final Report. · Chapter Two and the Working Document together · with subsequent studies undertaken in the balance ·. I of the region will form the basis for the evaluation I of the whole region and the Final Reporto.· Appended to this Report.is a Discussion Paper. which poses the need for an overall development policy for regions and sets out possible alternative policies. 1-

CONTENTS

FOREWORD CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION 1. Stimulus for the Loddon-Campaspe Regional Study. 2. Aims and Objectives of the Loddon-Campaspe Regional Studyo 3. Study Management Components. 4. Conduct of the Studyo 5o Acknowledgements.

\ ·CHAPTER TWO - OVERALL APPRAISAL OF PROBLEMS CAPABILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES 1. The Bendigo Sub-Region in Perspective. 2o An Overview of the Natural and Man-made Enirironmen t. 3o An Overview of the Social Services. ~4.. An Overview of the E~onomy.

WORKING DOCUMENT. - MAJOR INFLUENCES ON.PRESENT AND FUTURE DE'VELOFMENT . .. . . 1 • Historical Dev.elopment. . 2. Climate. 3o Vegetation and Wildlife~ 4. Water Resources. 5. Populationo 60 Land.Use. ?. Housingo a. Transport. 9. Communications. .. ·· 10. Urban Recreation • 11. Urban Conservationo 120 Tourism. · 13. Education. ·14o Heal tho 15. Social Services. 16.· Other Basic Facilities and Services.· l?. Additional Observationso

DISCUSSION PAPER ON FUTURE POLICIES. A. The Need for Future Policies. B. Possible Alternative Future Policies.

-~_j ____ FIGURES . '

Figure Noo

.1. Regional Studies Area. 2. . · Topography and' Rainfall. 3. . Vegetation and Conservation Areas. 4. Surface Water Resources. 5.. · Water Use and Demand. 6~ Population - Age and Sex Composition. 7. . Population In and Out Migration. a.: Population - Place o:f Birtho 9. . Existing Land Use. 10. · ·. Existing Transport System .. llo Transport Plan. · 12. · ·. Recreation Facilities. 13. Primary and Secondary Sehoolso . . 14. Sewerage System. 15. Drainage Pr.ob I.em Areas. 16. ·Growth Trends.

1 . l

CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION

The strength of a region is directly related to the vitality and viability of its principal_communityo The Loddon-Campaspe Region is no exception; the Bendigo urban · are~ is of major significance to the region. This is not to suggest that the future of the region is ~olely determined by the growth or decline of the Bendigo urban ·area, or of the somewhat larger Bendigo sub­ region whi~h is the focus of this Report (defined as being . the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk and the Shires of Huntly, l"Iarong and Strathfieldsaye - see Figure 1). On the contrary, there is a close inter-relationship between the region, the sub-region and the Bendigo urban area such that major developments in one are likely to influence the otherso Furthermore, metropolitan, state, national and international developments can have sizable impacts on the region and the sub-regiono Nevertheless, to a large extent, the continued well­ being of the Bendigo sub-region is important for a favourable future in the broader region. · It is on the basis of this argument that the early stages of the study and this Interim Report on the.Loddon-Campaspe Region have concentrated on examining, assessing and drawing tentative conclusions regarding the. existing and projected situation, strengths and weaknesses of the Bendigo sub-region. The Final Report, to be prepared later this year, will · contain an assessment of and conclusions and recommendations concerning the· entire Loddon-Campaspe Region. · It will be based on this Interim Report and on ongoing arid subsequent examination of the region as a wholeo 1. STIMULUS FOR THE LODDON-C.Al"IPASPE REGIONAL STUDY The ne.ed for a study of the Loddon-Campaspe Region has been recognised for a long time. However, the specific stimulus for a study at this time, together with that for a concurrent similar study in the Central Highlands' Region, arose out of a visit to Victoria's major provincial centres in October, 1974, by the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, the Honorable Murray Byrne, MoL.Co and the Australian Minister for Urban and Regional Development, the Honorable Tom Uren, M.H.R. At Mr. BY'rne's invitation, Mr. Uren accompanied him to Portland, Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley to gain an understanding of the problems and needs facing these centres together with an appreciation of their potential for further developmento Previously these four centres, together with Wodonga, were the subject of a recommendation by the Decentralization Advisory Committee which in 1967 reported on the "Selection of .Places Outside the Metropolis of Melbourne for Accelerated Development"o f':...... i !

I I i i ~

HUNTLY

.MARONG

EAGLEHAWK

STRATHFIELDSAYE

Bendigo Urban Area .Fig. 1 REGIONAL STUDIES AREA

( 2 In recent years there has been a considerable amount of activity at the regional level. Both the Australian and Victorian Governments.have defined regional boundaries through­ out the State. Regions are increasingly being recognized as tpe best level at which to study and tackle major planning and development problems, and regional organisations are b~ing est~blishedo ·a Bearing these points in mind, it was decided that regional studies should be conducted and in view of the particular pressures existing within Bendigo and Ballarat, that the Loddon-Campaspe and. ·Central Highlands Regions, the regions in which these centres·:· lie, should be studied firsto The agreement to:iindertake studies of the Loddon-Campaspe and Central Highlands Regions, as part of a series related to regional development in Victoria, was fully supported by the Minister for Planning~ the Honorable Alan Hunt, MoL.Co The Victorian Government's regional boundaries were adopted as the basis for data collection and analysis in these studies. The Australian Government's boundaries for the two regions differ only slightly - for its purposes Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh Shires are included in metropolitan regions and not the Loddon-Campaspe and Central Highlands Regions respectively. · · Because of the aims and objectives for the studies, responsibility for their conduct was given to the Town and Country Planning Board and the ·Department of State .Development and Decentralization at the State level and the Ciuies Commission at the National levelo 2. · AIMS-AND OBJECTIVES.OF THE LODDON-CAI1PASPE REGIONAL STUDY The overall aims :·of the study of the Loddon-Campaspe Region, as well as the study of the Central Highlands Region, are as follows: (a) To determine the·role to be played by the Regions within the State; (b) To provide a basis for the preparation of Regional plans and policies; and (c) To provide a basis for advising governments and authorities on appropriate policies to be applied in the Regionso .. . It should be noted, however, that these studies are not substitutes for the detailed research and planning studies which would be undertaken in connection with the preparation of a comprehensive· planning and development programme for the regions. The specific study objectives, as set out in the Studies Brief, are to: · (a) evaluate economic, social and physical factors of the two regions; 3 (b) establish the inter-relationship between the cities (Bendigo and Ballarat) and their regions, including the influence of regional resources on the two cities and how this may affect their potential for development; (c) assess likely future trends and the problems which may emerge in the absence of new policy interventions; and (d) provide a basis for advising the Australian and Victorian Governments on appropriate government policies to be applied in the regionso Additionally, the studies seek to identify means to achieve: · (a) improved co-ordination of the functions of the many agencies operating within the two study regions, including elimination of any overlapping functions; (b) closer working relationships between these agencieso From the beginning it was recognised that the studies would provide an opportunity for the examination of the existing regional organizations and their present and possible future functionso 3o STUDY MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS The management framework for the studies comprises four components:

(i) Polic~ Co-ordination Committee~ General superVision, inclu ing review, overall responsibility and policy guidance for the studies is being handled by a Policy Co-ordination Committee on beharf of the Town and Country Planning Board, the Department of State Development and Decentralization, and the Cities Commissiono

(ii) Mana~ment Group. Responsibility fer the design, · co-o ination and direction of the study elements has .been vested in a Management Group consisting of' representatives from the participating agencies assisted by an administrative secretaryo (iii) Study Co-ordinatoro A Study Co-ordinator has been appointed on a full-time basis to co-ordinate the tecb:Iiical activities Of the Studies and prepare the reports. (iv) AdvisofY Committee. An Advisory Committee has been established as a source of advice, consultation and review throughout the study period. Members of the Committee are the members of the Policy Co-ordination Committee and representatives of each of the following regional organizations: (a) Central Highlands Regional Organization of' Councils; (b) Loddon Campaspe Regional Organization of Councils; (c) Central Highlands Regional Council for Social Development Interim Committee; 4

(d) Loddon-Campaspe Regl.onal Council for Social Development Interim Committee; ' Loddon-Campaspe Regional Planning Authority; Central Highlands Regional Tourist Authority; North Central Regional Tourist Authority; Ballarat Development Committee; Bendigo Development Committee; and Ballarat and District Joint Town Planning Committee • . 4o CONDUCT OF THE STUDY The study has been organized for the work programme to be primarily undertaken by the multi-disciplinary professional and support staff resources of the three participating agencies .. However, consultants have provided assistance in three specialised areas. The study has been programmed to be completed in the relatively short time period of about nine months.. Although the study will be as comprehensive as possible, it is recognized that it will be primarily limited to utilizing and deriving assessments and conclusions from existing or readily available data. Consequently, ·it will not be a substitute for the ongoing, more detailed research and planning studies essential for the preparation of a· comprehensive regional planning and development programme requiring a much longer time period .. The.stti.dies for the Loddon-Campaspe and Central Highlands Regions are being conducted simultaneously to facilitate data gathering, analysis, and pertinent comparative analyses. The time frame for both studies is the·period extending to the year 1986 .. The principal topics for analysis and appraisal cover economic, social and physical characteristics of the regions. (i) Economic: An appraisal aimed at gaining a broad under­ standing of the economic functioning of the region together with more detailed studies of the economies of selected cities and townso (ii) Social: An evaluation of the social or "cultural" characteristics of the region including housing stock; education, medical and welfare services; municipal and other public services; tr~sport and communications; conservation and recreation features; and zoning' subdivision and ownership of lando (iii) Physical: A broad assessment Qf the region's physical resources including landforms, geology, soils, climate, hydrology, vegetation and wildlife aimed at identifyi.ng and where possible studying significant problems in greater detail. Within this framework, consultants have undertaken the following specialised studies concurrent with similar studies in the Central Highlands Region ... 5 (i) Economic Assessment. A broad study of the region's economy to form the basis for as·sessing likely future economic trends to the year 1986. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to identify the factors which have influenced the economy_ of Bendigo. (ii) Socio-Economic Survey. A survey of households in Greater ~endigo to provide comm.unity information on: (a) issues of. concern, satisfaction with the existing environment and attitudes to change; (b) perceived adequacy of existing services; and (c) groups identified as requirin_g special assistance. (iii) Invent_0ry of Non-urban Environments. A survey to determine the relationship between vegetation cover and land tenure, with the purpose of identifying and ranking features of broad conservation and recreation significance according to their present value and vulnerability. To achieve the objectives of the studies, particularly the fourth objective, i.e. to provide a basis for policy advice to governments, assistance from Local, Regional, State and Australian agencies was considered essential. All Local Councils, Regional Organizations and State and National . Departments and Instrumentalities c.onnected with the region have been invited to make submissions giving information on their existing and proposed facilities, programmes and policies. This information in effect relates to· the providers of services •. To balance it,·· information from the receivers of services was needed on perceived needs, problems and opportunities. This was partly obtained from the Socio~ Economic Survey of households in the Bendigo urban area. In addition relevant information was obtained from the local councils and from residents who attended a series of public ·meetings or who made individual submissions. By comparing the provider and receiver information, it is intended to estimate the present and future adequacy of facilities and services and thereby to identify deficiencies and needs requiring attention. This is not to suggest that after needs are identified, solutions can be readily provi~ed. Much depends on the costs involved, the availability of fUnds and the priorities for .funding set by governments, councils and other relevant organizations. 5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Those associated with the study wish to acknowledge the contributions made by the municipal councillors and officers of t~e region. They also wish to thank the members of the Advisory Committee who are providing a vital advisory, consultative and review function for the study. Amongst the organizations represented on the Advisory Committee, special mention needs to be made of the Loddon-Campaspe Regional Council for Social Development Interim Committee which organized the sub-regional public meetings and the Bendigo Development Committee which is providing a great deal of administrative assistance to the study. ' 6 They also wish to thank the many national, regional, state and private agencies and organisations which have submitted information, the businesses which participated in the economic assessment and housing studies, and last, but not least, the many residents who participated in the Socio­ Economic Survey, the public meetings or who.made individual submissions o ·

I - 1 CHAPTER TWO - OVERALL APPRAISAL OF PROBLEMS CAPABILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES The Bendigo sub-region is in a state of transition. Therefore, in order to satisfy the study objectives, it is important that an understanding be obtained of the changes that are occurring and those that seem likely to occur. Similarly, the implications of changes need to be examined objectively in order that guidelines and programmes can be set to achieve the most advantageous responses to such changes, particularly since they can have unfavourable as well as favourable implicationso Before such guidelines and policies can be set, it is important to have an overview of the sub-region's strengths and weaknesses, and of its capability to meet present and anticipated future needs. This chapter provides such an overview on the basis of the information presented in the Working Documento 1. THE BENDIGO SUB-REGION IN PERSPECTIVE In a national context Bendigo is relatively unique in terms of population size. It is the fourth largest inland centre in Australia, the first three being Canberra, Ballarat and Toowoomba. The position which Bendigo has achieved in the national hierachy of towns has been due to gold, which was the motivation for the initial establishment of the city, and the service functions it provides for the surrounding rural areas. Gold mining has since been replaced by secondary and tertiary industry and the service industry continues to flourish. It is the largest shopping, employment and government centre in the region and performs a vital function as a health and social service centre, particularly for retired persons. Bendigo dominates the Loddon-Campaspe Region. Although only about 40% of the region's population resides in the Bendigo urban area, in each of the main employment sectors (apart from agriculture), it has over 60% of the region's workforce. The number of people living in the urban area (45,936 in 1971) is about six times larger than Castlemaine and Echuca, the next largest urban centres in the region. When Bendigo is compared with other major provincial centres in Victoria (outside the Port Phillip District and the Barwon Region), only Ballarat and the Latrobe Valley towns are more dominant in their regions. Nowhere else in the State is this degree of dominance apparent, although Albury-Wodonga is likely to achieve this within the next decade. The studies have shown quite clearly that there are striking similarities between Bendigo and Ballarat. Bendigo also needs to be seen in the context of its role in a State-wide settingo The strong linkages and dependencies which Bendigo displays within the major part of the Loddon­ Campaspe Region are greatly overshadowed by the dominant ties superimposed over the entire State by the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. These ties have become increasingly pronounced over the years; there is no competitor to the dominance of Melbourne. The provincial centres serve as major nodes on the far-reaching networks extending to and from the metropolitan areao 2 Although the population size and the nature and extent of the .functions performed in the provincial centres ~ very well change, especially with government intervention (for example, continuance of growth centre and decentralization policies an4 programmes), no major change is foreseen in the dominant role of the smaller centres like Bendigoo 2o AN OVERVIEW OF THE NATURAL AND MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT ·~·- _~m ·-· ·= -r.--nn=- The sub-region is situated in an attractive setting of gently rolling crop and grazing land with a large expanse of fo~est bordering much of the Bendigo urban area. Irt broad terms, the natural and man-made physical environment of the sub-region is attractive for growth and developmento However, the following factors need to be considered as the area develops. (i) Compared with most other parts of the State, the sub-regio~ has limited water resources and ultimately this will constrain development. Although a considerable increase in population and industry could be supported from existing facilities, provision of additional water for major population and industrial growth and for increased irrigation use would be costly compared with other areas of the State. In addition, although the water quality from the Coliban system supplying the sub-region is good, the quality of water provided to consumers is generally considered poor. This is probably due to the deficiencies in the reticulation systemo (ii) Certain developing parts of the sub-region (such as land to the north in the Shire of Huntly) have significant drainage and flooding problems which represent constraints to future development unless major investment occurso (iii) The relatively large amount of previously mined land in the urban area, particularly in the Borough of Eaglehawk, provides both a physical and aesthetic deterrent to development •.. However, this drawback can and is being removedo (iv) Similar to Ballarat the type and range of houses available in the urban area is limited and there is a shortage of rental accommodationo .Much of the housing in the sub­ region is old and, even with substantial maintenance and renovation, will require replacement over timeo From this viewpoint Bendigo is handicapped compared to several other centres in the State and considerable money may need to be invested for new and replacement housing in the futureo · (v) The central business district needs improved traffic circulation, greatly increased parking facilities, and selective rehabilitation and re-developmento This need has been previously acknowledged and is the subject of detailed analysis by the Ministry of Housing's Urban Renewal Authorityo (vi) The internal road network serving the sub-region could be improvedo This is being tackled under plans proposed in the recent Bendigo Transportation Study. However, 3 a shortage of funds for transport purposes is likely to slow progress. Road and rail transport services to and from the sub-region could be improved so as to enable better communication and movement of people and goods within and beyond the Loddon-Campaspe Region. The communication links with Ballarat compare un!avour­ ably with those to Melbourne. (vii) Continued development of rural sub-divisions in the area may present community-wide problems, particularly in terms of higher costs associated with the provision of essential serviceso The pressure to subdivide land into small lots is great because it is relatively inexpensive and lends itself to fulfilling the goal of many people of having a detached home on a large plot of land. (viii) If the sub-region continues to experience slow growth much more attention should be given to gaining the maximum effectiveness out of existing and currently planned public facilities and services. This could mean greater emphasis in Bendigo on "in-filling", i.e. development or re-development of land already within the built-up area. 3o AN OVERVIEW OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES In considering the provision of social services in Bendigo and the role of Bendigo as a social service centre for the Loddon-Campaspe Region, it is important to analyse the size and structure of the sub-region population against that of the regiono The dominance of Bendigo over the remainder of the region has been increasing over time and this can be expected to continue. Looking to the future, if present trends continue, it is expected that the sub-region will grow slowly from about 55,880 in 19?4 to a projected maximum of 65,000 by 1986. Social issues which should be considered in relation to an assessment of the adequacy ot existing and possible future social facilities include the following. Many of the issues are of national significance rather than of purely local significance, but this does not detract from the need to assess their implications for the .future of Greater Bendigo, the sub-region or the regiono (i) The national trend towards centralization of social facilities in fields such as health, education libraries and welfare is likely to strengthen the urban area's social function further, but this has implications for the rural parts of the region. This trend is contrary to the desire of people to have the facilities close-by. (ii) Bendigo is a popular retirement centre and has a relatively good range of facilities and services for the aged. However, there will be a continuing need to accommodate a growing number of retired people. As the number of retired and elderly people increases, more attention should be given to active and passive recreational facilities for the aged. 4 (iii)· Bendigo has a wide range of educational facilities and services which are considered by the residents to be adequateo However, some additional investment will be needed for primary and secondary schools to 19860 . This investment will be needed to upgrade disadvantaged schools, to provide for new schools to relieve over­ crowding and to maintain 9 renovate and possibly replace some of the numerous older schoolso · (iv) Possible changes related to education programmes include: (a) much broader community use of schools whereby they are kept open longer and provide multi-use facilities for general activities; and (b) more community influence over school programmes and activities through school councilso (v) The Socio-Economic Survey indicated widespread dissatisfaction with medical and.dental facilities in the Bendigo urban areaa It is possible that the new Community Health Centres at Eagleh.8.wk and Kangaroo

Flat' could alleviate this . situationo (vi) A particular need has been identified for a cultural centre, including a theatree ·

(vii) The current emphasis on out~door and in-door sports complexes, community halls and swimming pools needs careful examinationo Except for community halls, and to· a lesser degree swimming pools; these facilities tend to cater.for relatively young and active people. (viii) Facilities for out-door recreation are reasonably . adequate, although. some are· over-used. Some of the large amount of derelict .land could be used for the eXpansion of recreation facilities. (ix) The Bendigo Whipstick is an outstanding natural resource area·with a wide variety of vegetation and wildlifeo Retention of the Whipstick is threatened and it, together with other significant flora.and fauna areas, ~st .be preserved and maintainedo (x) The possibility of continued unemployment of a proportion of the workforce has implications for a nation.which for many years has had near to full employment .. (xi) Some other existing community facilities and services, such as pre-schools, are inadequate to satisfy current demands and require upgradingo The needs of the growing population should be clearly identified and planned foro 4. AN OVERVIEW OF THE ECONOl"IY

The estimated population of the Bendigo sub~region . at June, 1974was 55,880 persons. This represents an annual 5 growth rate of 1.0% during the_peri~d 1971 - 74, which is less than the 1966 - 71 rate or l.4~o but more tlian the 1961 - 66 rate of 0.8%. From 1966 to 1974 Bendigo has had a more rapid growth than Ballarat both in absolute and percentage terms. Since 194?, population growth in Bendigo has been slow relative to the State as a whole, and the base for growth limited by the out-migration of young people and the disproportionate increase in the older age groups settling in the area for retirement facilities.

Little data is currently available to enable comparisons o! monetary value generated by the various industrial groups in the three sectors of the sub-region's economy. In terms of employment, however, the largest employer in the Bendigo sub­ region at the 1971 census was the Government group. It employed approximately 2?°fe of the workforce, over ?% by the Australian Government and nearly 2C°fe by State and Local Governments. Both of these were higher proportions at that date than for the whole of Victoria or nationallyo The Manufacturing group was somewhat smaller than the Government group, with 23% of the workforceo As in Ballarat, health and education services employed a relatively high proportion of the workforce, particularly females. In the Manufacturing group, producers of food and beverages accounted for by far the largest employment, but fabricated metal manufacturers, and clothing, footwear and textile manufacturers were significant employers, the latter particularly of females. The largest employers of females, however, were the retail trade, hospitals, convalescent homes and the like, and educationo A significant proportion of the male workforce was also employed by the retail trade, rural industries and educational institutions. Between 1966 - 1971, the groups showing significant growth in terms of employment in the sub-region were retail and wholesale, public administration and community services. At the beginning of this year, unemployment was relatively high, with ?.6 persons registered as unemployed for every vacancy registered, compared to the State figure of 5o7• Unemployment at that time was particularly severe among junior females where the ratio of registered unemployed to vacancies was 2608 compared to the Victorian figure of ll.2o By occupational group, the biggest gaps between employment applicants and vacancies were rural, semi-skilled and service occupations. Unemployment in the semi-skilled occupations was as a result of the retrenchments which occurred in the clothing, footwear and textile industries. Unemployment among the unskilled is now relatively minor compared to the situation in the rest of the State. It was not possible within the scope of the sub-regional economic study to assess the interdependence of the region in terms of supplies and marketso However, it was apparent that, with the exception of the food and beverage manufacturers, processors of non-metallic minerals, rural produce dealers, builders, and some builders' suppliers, sources of supply were largely obtained from outside the region. For the most part, Melbourne was the primary sourceQ There was some dependence on imports, e.go timber, metal parts and steel.

J ------6 Bendigo was the primary market for food and beverage manufacturers, retailers and some wholesalers and builders. Melbourne was the destination for most of the rest of the industries, although there were significant regional and interstate sales. The obtaining of supplies and distribution of products is chiefly effected through Melbourneo Transportation is, of course, an important matter in all industries, but often inconvenience, delays and damage are regarded as more significant problems than the cost of transport. On the matter of decentralization, most firms interviewed as part of the ~conomic Assessment Study saw the disadvantages as transport problems, communication and transport costs and the lack of a large enough workforce from which to draw labour of particular types, or with special skills. In Bendigo, firms tended to be more conscious of the costs involved in transport than in Ballarat. Generally, they saw advantages as the lower cost of land, a more stable workforce, and benefits associated with residing in a provincial centre. While a number of firms were suffering from reduced demand, several manufacturers reported buoyant conditions. There was-noticeably greater optimism in regard to capital expenditure than in Ballarat, with finance more often mentioned as an inhibiting factor. The extent of stimulation which has been deriving from government involvement in the area is significant. In terms of employment, over a quarter of the workforce was employed by the public sector at the 1971 Population Census. Apart from the provision of transport facilities and utilities and some service manufacturing, government has created substantial employment opportunities in the area from its expenditure on health and educational facilities and services. In the three years to 1973/74, over half of the expenditure on non-residential building came from Government. In 1973/74, decentralization assistance to the region totalled $2.4 million. In 1974/75 expenditure by the Australian Government on structural adjustment assistance to the region, grants to Local Government and Regional Employment Development projects totalled nearly $3.5 million. In total, these funds are equivalent to nearly 40% of the total wages and salaries paid QY manufacturing industries in the area in 1971/72. There can be little doubt that government over the long term will continue to be significant to the local economy and more important than in Ballarat. A return to a more protectionist tariff policy (if only temporarily), restructuring of corporate taxation, and a generally heightened attention to fostering the private sector may contribute to a better business climate. The region can expect, however, to suffer an increasing relative disadvantage from higher petrol costs in the transport of goods. The impact of higher petrol costs on tourism has not yet been ascertained. It is difficult to envisage over the next few years anything more than an arresting of the problems presented by inflation and rising cost structures. If these continue at the present level, particular problems could occur in the private building industry. Ii

LODDON~CAMPASPE REGIONAL.STUDY

WORKING DOCUMENT ON MAJOR INFLUENCES ON ·MsE.NT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

BENDIGO SUB-REGION

SEPTEMBER 1975. 1 MAJOR .INFLUENCES ON.PRESENT AND FUTURE DE"VtLOPMENT.

Introduction The eXtent, nature, sequence. and form of development of a city or region is due to a n~ber of ongoing, competing and, in some cases, reinforcing factors and.processesd To guide and shape· :the future of cities or regions effectively, consider­ able attention needs to be given to examining, assessing and, . where possible, better directing these influencing factors and processes. This is a :fundamental ingredient to a comprehensive planning and development process. In this document·, conclusions and irilplications are presented regarding major influences and determinants affecting the Bendigo sub-region. These conclusions and implications are derived from a general review of the sub-region and reflect the budget, programme, time and other related constraints of the Central Highlands and Loddon-Campaspe Regional Studies. They also take into abcount that more detailed studies may be performed in the future by the State and, Local (:Jovernme:hts. in connection With the preparation of individtial city, shire or regional comprehensive planning and development strategies and progr.ammes •.· · · It is important to recognize that whereas physical cohditions _(for example, the availability and adequacy of water) or economic forces may have pronounced effects upon an area, invariably it is the local people, their aspirations, attitudes and the ways in which they endeavour to satisfy them, that determines whether there will be growth, decline or stagnation. Many examples could be cited where people with commonly shared goals and motivations have overcome seemingly pre-destined patterns or otherwise insurmountable forces.

1 2 1. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

The historical development of a city or regi~n has significant implications for its future development.

Abori~inal Settlement. ·or many years, before the initial settlement of Bendigo in the 1840's, the area was inhabited by Aborigines. Relatively little is known about these.years, and investigation of and Speculation about their movements and activities continues. Some evidence of earlier ceremonial sites, relics and artifacts exist$ and mqre may be found through additional site research. As interest .in Aboriginal history increases, the tourist attraction of the Bendigo sub-region may be enhanced. Initial Set:> e e t of Be' di o and the Gold e eg ngs o - Et · · ty o -en 1go ol owe initial exploration of the area by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1836 and, several years later, the movement of pastoral squatters into the area. However, the major development infiuence was the Great Gold Rush period in Victoria, sparked by gold discove~ies at Clunes an~ Ballarat in 18510 Thousands of people flocked to areas like Bendigo and this influx led to the building of IQ.any houses and· businesses·. The vecy active gold mining era for Bendigo had run its co\ll:'se by 1900 althbugh some mines continued with the last three being closed in 1954. A number of fine structures remain from this era (such as the Shamrock Hotel) and these serve as major tourist attractions as well as providing a visible link with the past. Gold mining also left its scarso Nearly a third of the land in Bendigo was once considered derelict, having been laid open and worked over by mining activities. Comparison of recent aerial photographs of Bendigo with some t~en in 1936 shows that the amount of mining scarred land recl~imed has been considerableo Much additional reclamation i$ planned in accordance with a scheme prepared in 1968 by the Victorian Mines Department. As observed in the Derelict Land in the City of Bendigo report by Messrs. P. Rimmer and R. Jofuiston, the depressing effect of derelict land had significant consequences !Qr development of the area. Emergence as a Service Centre. As gold mining began to decline in the late l800's much greater emphasis was placed on the raising of liv~stock and other farm activitieso This resulted in a steady:trend towards Bendigo becoming a major service centre for the surrounding rural districts. Additional economic activity in the form of secondary and tertiary industries accompanied this stage of developmento Bendigo also grew as a service centre for government functions. · Conclusions and Implications. (:i) As interest in Aboriginal history increases, the tourist attraction of the Bendigo sub-region could be enhanced. It seems likely however, that this will be a slow process unless a significant historical discovery is made. (ii) Bendigo has a substantial history, relative to most Australian cities, and this can continue to be exploited by the local tourist industry. (iii) Many historical buildings remain in Bendigo from the gold erao Some of these· buildings should be preserved. 2. CLIMATE Today, climatic conditions do not play such a critical role in the development and existence of an area since technological advances have limited the disadvantageous aspects of climate. However, climate still has a pronounced affect on agricultural activities, especially those heavily dependent on adequate water. Wind and temperature conditions have environmental and financial implications for the location of new industries (those with noxious odours or smoke should not be located where they discharge into the principal air flows over urban areas) and for the development of new service facilities. On a State-wide basis, the Bendigo sub-region is among those areas which do not have extremes of rainfall, temperature or wind. Its climate is considered temperate, with warm summers and cool winters. The avergge maximum and minimum temperatures in January gre 230 c. and 11 C. respectively; in July they are 100 C. and 3 C. The number of days per year on which frosts are likely to occur is 32 (compared with Melbourne with 12 days). Figure 2 shows the distribution of rainfall related to the topography. Unlike the southern, coastal and north eastern areas of the State, the sub-region has a low average arlnual rainfall of about 500 mm (20 inches). Accordingly, people in the area give great attention _to the availability and uses of watero Effective rainfall in the sub-region (that amount necessary to mairtta~n plant growth) generally occurs for a seven ~pnth period (from Apr~l to October) in contrast to 9 to l~ months in the southern parts 9f Victoria. ·This period is only an approximation and may v~ry due ~o factors such as temperature, winds and so11 characteristics. Rainfall variability over time in the sub-region is relatively high (20 - 25%). This variability is critical since a 25% variation in rainfall is likely to increase drought (no growth) periods markedly and affect the rural economy detrimentallyo Such variation also contributes to great extremes in stream flows from negligible to severe flooding and to increased susceptibility of much of the area to soil erosion. Conclusions and Implications. (i) In preparing plans and development programmes for sound utilisation of land, water resources and vegetation in the sub-region, careful consideration should be given to climatic conditions since they have an important influence on the stability of the area's natural systems. (ii) Maintenance of a sound water resource management programme is essential to the well-being of the area. (iii) The combination of a relatively high variation in annual rainfall (with attendant variations in stream flows) and a low surface run off from much of the area, causes the supply of water to be generally costlier than in many other parts of Victoria. (iv) A related factor is that water quality tends to be poorer than in areas with higher rainfall. Therefore, during the dry summer months, stream flows should, where possible, be maintained above defined critical levels to ensure that water quality in the major watercourses (eepeoie.ll7 i. I . !1 I ~~'

CJ under 150m f::;::::::::::I 150-250m 250-450m c:J 450-750m 750-1000m lsohyets(mm) Highway -+-+-+ Railway """"- Stream ·-• Regional Boundary

TOPOGRAPHY & RAINFALL Loddon - Campaspe Region ~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Cempaspe Regions Fig. 2 4 the_ Campaspe River) is not unduly impaired, particularly if the streams are in proximity to high pollution sourceso (v) In extremely dry periods during the summer when trees and vegetation reach a very high ignition point, fire danger is a major concern and many precautions and restri~tions become necessaryo (vi) As well recogriized_by farmers in the sub-region, a limiting factor on further intensive rural development is the relat-ively short growing season caused by the high number of _frosty days throughout and the shortage of water in the_ areas where no irrigation existso

-(vii) In view of the low rainfall, the supply Of water has to be.supplemented from external sources._ This situation is likely to be a costly constraint on urban expansion in comparison with many other Victorian urban centreso This also has an influence on the type of industry which may· _ locate.in the areat particularly those which constime large quantities of water. (viii) To maintain even minimal water quality in streams, treatment costs for industries with high liquid waste loads may be excessive. - (ix) Similarly, standards_ for the local sewage treatment facilities need to be higher, and probably costlier;· than for areas where greater volumes of water are available to dilut~ wasteso · (x) The relatively cool winters and warm summers have energy usage and cost implications, since they make central heating and air conditioning desirablec. ·(xi) On the other hand, the existence of a fairly long warm period with numerous days of sunshine (compared to southern Victoria) is an asset, especially_ for t_ourists and for people seeking to retire in the Bendigo urban area. (xii) The sub-region is not threatened with.major air pollution problems as is-the Melbourne Metropolitan Area and this is a very important quality of life factor for its· resident ff. (xiii) To minimize future air pollution hazards in the sub­ region, air quality controls should be applied to industry _which may have significant emissionso Such industries should be located to the north east where it is least likely that wind currents would carry pollutants over the urban area. -- - ·

I _J .------,;

5 3o VEGETATION .AND WILDLIFE The Bendigo sub-region is situated in an at.tractive physical setting enhanced by areas of µattlral vegetation and .. wildlife which surround and, in some instances, penetrate into the urban network. · A large part of the land outside the built-up area is reserved forest (as shown at Figure 3) ._ The forest occupies about 54,000 hectares of land and has_ ~ w;i..de variety of vegetation and wildlifeo The princip~l trees are grey box, red ironbark and yellow gum. The wildlife includes echidnas, possums and kangaroos, over 250 species of birds and large bee colonieso -_ · Conclusions and Implications. (i) The reserved forest in the Bendigo sub-region is managed by the Victorian Forests Commission and serves a variety of multi.;.purpose uses including:

(a) production of hardwood tor comme~cial purposes; (b) controlled grazing (on about 35 ~ 40% of the forest land); (c) production of tion~y and eucai;yptus oil; (d)_ recreation; _ and (e) catchment areas for reservoirs. (ii) Sound management of the outstanding resource which the forest represents is very important to the sub-region _ and Victoria. Although no major problems are evident, continuing attention is given to: · (a) prevention of forest fires; (b) selective thinning of the forest-along with removal of incompatible vegetation; and (c) -control of trail biking, littering (mainly garbage and abandoned cars), shooting of wildlife (which is illegal) and the increasing number of wild cats in the forest. · Most of these problems are iikely to increase with continued urbanization and accordingly, will require more attention. Another proqlem affecting the forest is the pressure to have land alienated and cleared and used for other purposeso This also, is ·1ikely ~o increase with continued urbanizationo (iii) Since the reserved forest is subjected to wide abuse from.adverse aspects of urbanization, stronger management controls should be provided to protect this outstanding resource adequatelyo (iv) Two areas,most of which lie within the forest,have been proposr-!d as national parks (the Bendigo Whipstick and the Mandurang Forest) and will be given consideration by the Victoria.Ii Land Conservation Council. No national park is located in the Loddon-Cam.paspe Region, the closest being 130 kilometres away. ,-- r~ r I

r-.i;,---- I, ., I "I I __6 _,) ~'ARLTON

Land Unit Boundaries t Land Australian Governmen_ Stringybark - Peppermint Stringybark- Box Box - lronbark Box- Mallee River Red Gum Pine Plantation . d Pine Plantation . Significance ProposeAreas o f Conservation. and Recreation Highway -+--+--+ Railway Stream Regional Boundary

VEGETATION & CONSERVATION. ell L Pe Region oddon - Campas n - Campaspe Regions Studies of the Central H"19 hlands & loddo Fig. 3 6 (v) The Bendigo Whipstick, as shown at Figure 3, is an outstanding natural resource area with a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife. Some of the vegetation is very rare. One plant type is not found anywhere else in the world .. The Whipstick is particularly attractive in the spring and is a popular recreation area for people from a wide area. With publicity~ it could become a greater tourist attraction.. In addition to natural features, tourist interest is_ generated by the presence of old eucalyptus factory sites (eucalyptus oil was Australia's first export product to England), gold mining areas and equipment, and old hotels and wine shanties. (vi) Retention of the Whipstick as an outstanding asset is threatened in two major ways: - . (a) poor practices used in harvesting trees for eucalyptus oil, have resulted in needless soil erosion and destruction of vegetatioh and wildlife areas; and (b) clearing of private land particularly in the last _decade, has reduced the size.of the area from 19,500 hectares (70 - 80 square miles) to less than 13,000 hectares (50 square miles). It also has contributed to erosion and flooding .. (vii) Mandurang Forest is a wildlife habitat containing a wealth of native p+ants (over 250 species). Many are ~ighly attractive and some are very rare.. The higher land in the area (such as One Tree Hill Park in the Shire of Strathfieldsaye) offers fine views of Bendigo. The Jackass Flat area has some of the last remaining native bushland of significance in close proximity to Bendigo. It is widely used by science classes from schools in Bendigo .. (viii) Several sites.within the Bendigo urban area have been suggested for preservation as natural park and open spacest including: (a) Spring Gully - Retreat Road site. This site contains the last remaining stand of full~grown river red gums in the area. It is used for environmental studies by primary and tertiary schools; (b) White Hills. Located in a gravel reserve, this site has a wide range of attractive wild flowers; (c) Job's Gully. This scenic area lends itself to use as a park an& flora reserve; and (a) Boyd Street which is not considered botanically rich but which has good potential as a flora reserve. (ix) The large amount of scenic, natural lands in the sub­ regior.;_1 Lr" sui t2-.bly protected, provide opportunities for dc.;r~ignation, acquisition and development of outstand­ ing park, wildlife and natural vegetation areas of local, state or national significance ..

l ------c 7 4o WATER RESOURCES The water resources of the Bendigo sub-region consist of surface water (streams, lakes and man-made reservoirs) and below surface or ground water. As previously noted, water (availability, quantity and quality) is very important to the area. Accordingly, an understanding of the overall water or hydrological system and its inter-relationships with other natural and man-made features is. helpful in providing insights into how the area's water resources might best be used and managed in the futureo Policy decisions need to take into account at every stage the sensitivity of catchment systemso The form of a water supply system is closely related to the nature of the soils and bedrock, the vegetation cover, the topography, and rainfall, temperature and.wind characteristicso The way in which these natural elements interact can be critical. For example, the inter-relationship most likely to be fragile and difficult to manage is that in which evapo-transpiration (loss of water to the atmosphere through evaporation and to vegetation) approximately balances the rainfall. This condition prevails for most of the catchment areas of the Loddon-Campaspe Region, particularly those supplying areas like the Bendigo sub­ region where the average annual rainfall is about 500 mm or less. In these areas, the topography and vegetation prior to the coming of white settlers had evolved over time to a situation where most of the water which fell within the catchment was being used where it fell. The· land contours had accommodated to cope with the relatively small stream flows resulting from occasions when the rainfall was greater than usual. The vegetation had adjusted to cope with the drier than norinal yearso The soils had accommodated to a moisture condition of seasonal wetting and drying (as opposed to long periods of wetness or dryness) •

. The interference with t~is balance, which came with settlement of the area, res~1ted in replacement of deep-rooted perennial vegetation with shai1ow-rooted annual species. This may have led to the upper parts of the catchments becoming more arid and the lower parts becoming wetter due. to seepage water. The accompanying side effects on underground and surface water contributed to:- (a) increased turbidity of surface water, particularly after dry spells; (b) greater severity of peak floods with less water retained in the catchment areas; and (c) additional seepage in the downstream areas of the catchments, resulting in higher ground water tables and, in some instances, increased ground salinityo The principal surface water resource serving the Bendigo sub-region is the Ca.mpaspe River end its catchment areao The sub-region is also drained by several other·smaller water courses such as Bendigo Creeko The Ca.mpaspe.River catchment contains 4,000 sqokm (15,050 sq. miles) with the southern head­ waters originating in the Lyonsville and Macedon Ranges area where the annual rainfall is about 1,000 mm. The river has an average annual discharge of about 282,000 megalitresD Like all 8 other rivers in the Loddon-Campaspe Region, the Campaspe has pronounced seasonal flows, with 900fe or more of the flow occurring during the winter and spring. This characteristic contributes to downstream flooding problems in the Loddon­ Campaspe Region. In addition to availability and quantity, the quality of surface water resources is important to the sub-region's future development. Some industries require water of quality which is often equal to or better than that used in the homeo The quality of water ultimately received by consumers is influenced by the type and nature of:- (n) the source of water; (b) the storage facility from which the water is obtained; (c) the reticulation system; and (d) any treatment processes applied to the watero The quality of water in storage may be heavily influenced by natural systems and man-made actions on themo For example, inadequate maintenance of the reticulation system can result in significant localised water quality problemso In addition, the nature and cost of water treatment are directly related to the quality of water from the storage facility and reticulation systemo Just as surface water exhibits a drainage pattern, below surface or: ground water has similar drainage _ movements. In the Loddon-Campaspe Region the majpr regional ground water drainage is northwards towards the ~~verina Plain via a series of deep coarse-grained acquif er syst~ms k.Iiown to the early deep alluvial miners as. the "deep leads," o To a large degree; the ground water catchment parallels tha~: of the surface systems for each of the major north flowing streams and their tributarieso Conclusions and Implications. (i) In areas like the Loddon-Campaspe Region where despite man's intrusions a delicate balance still exists between the natural systems, attempts to optimise the performance of one part of a total system in isolation from the rest of the system, can be detrimental or at best, only marginally successfulo Accordingly it follows that even greater attention should be given to understanding how. the systems work and to devising and implementing soUn.d resource management· programmes so that man's continued presence will do the least amount of damage or disruption to the natural systemso (ii) In a State-wide context, the potential for further utilization of the Loddon-Campaspe Region's surface water resotirces (like the Campaspe River) is pooro The ~egion's best water resources are highly utilized and further utilization would be at increasi~gly higher costsa In general, additional development in the region will mean increased competition for existing 9 water resources in the near futureo For example, the growing demand in the Bendigo sub-region for additional water for urban uses can only be readily met in the short term by minor but costly water storage additions, or, at a lower cost, by a reduction in the quantity of water used for irrigation from the Caliban System of storages which supplies Bendigo and the surrounding area (see Figure 4). . (iii) Potential water use conflicts related·to the Coliban Sys·tem of storages may become a major problem. This system with storages at Mal.msbury, Lauriston and Upper Coliban, serves about 60,000 people in the Bendigo and Castlemaine areas and the surrounding rural countryside. The system is very important to future development of the Bendigo sub-region. Currently, the assured annual output from the Coliban System is about 29,500 ml; this is sup~lemented when necessary by an allocation of 14,500 ml available by pumping from Lake Eppalock. Since Lake Eppalock water is of poorer quality; it is usually directed into existing irrigation systems via the Spring Hill Reservoir, thus enabling the better quality Coliban System water· to be used for domestic purposes. Assuming that water rights for use of Eppalock water remain unaltered, the total water supply available within the Caliban distribution system is 4-4-,000 m~galitreso Using this assumption and (1) a 1974/75 estimated water con.sumption of 11,800 ml for urban purposes and 15,300 ml for stock purposes (a totai of 27,100 ml), and (2) a system efficiency factor of Oo64, the water taken from the storages is 42,500 ml (only slightly less than the assured annual supply of 44,000 ml). Continued increases in urban water supply demands are expected. · To meet these needs will require a reduction in the 'amount of water availr:ble for irrigation purposes und~;r- "water permits"* in the Caliban System. Conceivably improved system efficiency including possible storag~·additions could delay thiso However, the delay would pe slight and the costs would possibly·exceed·what.irrigators vou1d be willing to payo The significance of the impending water usage conflict between urban and farm groups is further illustrated if it is assumed that the annual demand for water for urban purposes will continue to increase by at least 4%. By the mid-1980's all of the higher quality water from the system would be utilized to meet urban demandso Further increases in urban demand would result in a progressive reduction of available water for irrigation purposes after the 1980's, if not earlier.

*· "Water permi ts"differ fr.om "water rights" (which are available in constituted irrigation districts) in that water uermits are available on an annual basis and are charged for on the basis of usage while water rights are charged for regardless of seasonal usage. ·\ I ·\_·-·-

,.-·-·-·-· -·-·-· ...... ·-·

QRaywood R. ,· 10 a.ft HUNTLY SHIRE ( I .cockatoo Hill R. .< Sebastian~ 45 a. ft ·I MA RONG 1 a. ft SHIRE Jackass Flat R. 15 a ft

MARON GO

Specimen Hill Crusoe R. 235 a .ft supplementary supply L fram Eppalack Reservoir 1 200 a .ft 1--:: - pumping required• No 7 R. '• ----..f'.!J!E;...~E 249a.ft -- Green Gully R• f):p Spring Gully R ----...... 11 a.fte® 2 000 a ft (used far picnic & fishing) Big Hill R~ Eppalock R 2 a.ft 250 000 a ft STRATHFIELDSAYE (used far recreation) -·-·­ ·-·.--. SHIRE . --. . --- ( .'- \. Barkers Creel~ 'Rt.· Maldon R. 2306 a.ft 18,a.ft~g (used far picnics & fishing) · 4 a..ft {/ 13 a. ft Expedition Pass R. 480 a.ftr------METCALFE Golden Point R. SHIRE 3 a.ft Poverty Gully R. 3 a.ft Cast.lemaine R. 1100 a.ft

• Storages D Reticulated Areas - · - Local Government Boundaries Bendigo - Surface Water Resources LJL_ll eD 4 0 4 Fig. 4 10 These observations are similar to those disclosed by preliminary studies by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, indicating that, in the past, if urban demand had been twice that recorded,and existing irrigation demands had been met, the Eppalock Reservoir and the storages of the Coliban System would likely have been close to failure in 5 out of the 82 years recorded (with virtually no water available for irrigation during those years) and irrigation use would have been restricted in 15 of the 82 years (about 1. in 5) • . A general indication of the implications of continued increased water usage is provided by the accompanying chart (Figure 5). (iv) Although no data are available to proVide overall inform­ ation for the Caliban System, the water quality in the. Ma.lmsbury Reservoir is regarded as being good and (except for turbidity) mu.ch better than Eppalock or Cairn Curran. It is important to note that in a recent survey 12 of 18 municipalities within the Loddon-Campaspe Region indicated their water quality was inadequate. This number included Bendigo and Castlemaine which obtain water from the Coliban Systemo Their problem, however, may be related to the reticulation systems rather than the supply source. (v) Compared With centres in the Murray and Goul~urn River systems, or to most of those in the southern:part of Victoria, water quality in the Lod~on-Campaspe Region and Bendigo sub-region is generally inferioro This places limitations upon the area's attractiveness for industries requiring higher quality water. Additional "f;reatment to improve water quality in the sub-region woul~ possibly be mo~e expensive than water for industry in m~y other parts of Victoria (recognizing that little information on water quality is available throughout the State) art.d would become a much more significant cost if ground or L~e Eppalock water is usedo A recent estimate indicated the cost of a water treatment plant for Bendigo would resu+t in an average water rate increase of $21 per annum.; (vi) Use of ground water in conjunction wfth surface water for urban purposes appears to be worthy of consideration as a means of increasing water resources, provided doing so is economically viableo The advantages and disadvantages which could arise from operation of storages using ground and surface water jointly are:- Advantages: greater water conservation; smaller surface storage; a small surface distribution system; possibility of staged development of the overall water system; smaller evapo-transpiration losses. Dise.dvantages: greater power consumption and invest­ ment in pumping equipment; increased water mineralization; more complex project operation; more difficult cost allocation; artificial recharge facilities often requiredo

> WATER USAGE TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE COLIBAN SYSTEM (1975-2000)

50 Cii Q) UPPER LIMIT - OUTPUT AT CONSTANT EFFICIENCY caCl ~~b 0 .... ------~90 1>('1,___ _ 0 .... c,O be«:" U) f n 'l>· 1>~ E40 WATER AVAILABLE l)r°lo T.' \)f.'O e ALLOCATION AVAILABLE .:: FOR IRRIGATION \).. -..e :f. f.?>,e \~ FROM LAKE EPPALOCK U) AND STOCK c; ~~ ~ Q,f.O ·'= PURPOSES "iii 30 Cl ! Q) E 0 U) -0 ~20 :::J 0 .i::.... ASSURED ANNUAL .SUPPLY c: - COLIBAN SYSTEM STORAGES c: URBAN DEMAND ·~ 10 E :::J c:U) 8 1975 1980 1990 2000 Year

NOTE: The above projection of a 4% compound urban growth rate in water consumption is illustra­ tive only - projection of future water demand is not possible with a great degree of accuracy. The upper limit could be signifi­ cantly raised by an improvement in the efficiency of the distribution system (currently about o.64), therefore the above graph possibly over­ states future urban demand from storages.

Water used for irrigation purposes in the Caliban system fluctuates from year to year, therefore it has not been shown as an additional demand curve. An indication of demand is given by figures from 1972/73 and 1974/75 which were, from storage, about 22,500-24000 megalitres respectively.

Fig. 5 11 Without a detailed study of the economics of utilization of ground water it is not possible to identify clearly the input that such water resources may haveo Nevertheless, optimum use of water resources within the Loddon-Campaspe Region and the Bendigo sub-region will require, in the near future,that consideration be given to integrating the use of ground and surface water resourceso (vii) Urban development in the Bendigo sub-region has contributed to flooding and water pollution problems in the areao Local flooding has been significantly in~reased due to urban- i zatioli o Since urban deve.lopment usually occurs gradually and in relatively small increments, the hydrologic effects of any one stepare usually insignificant. However, the combined effects of all such urban development can drastically change the physical conditions of the land surface and drainage flows. (viii)In the Bendi.go urban area, increasing urbanization of the catchments of various creeks (in particular, Bendigo and Back Creeks and some associated catchments in the Shire of Huntly) can be expected to cause marked increases in the frequency and intensity of floods. In the Shire of Huntly immediately north of Bendigo, consideration should be given to efforts to slow the rate of storm Water dis­ charge within these catchments, especially since the flooding intensity is also influenced by the flow of sediments from construction activities in the catchment areas. The influence of silting and increased sediment load on wat~r quality (particularly turbidity) could be a pr9blem in down stream localities where use of water for domestic purposes is cdmmon. For example, development in the Axe Creek catchment could contribute to increased sediment in the Campaspe River, which may in turn hasten or bring about the need for additional water, treatment in towns such as Rochester. (ix) Other aspects of increased.urban storm wate~ run off are: scouring of stream beds and banks, further aggravating the.problem of sediment in 'off-stream' water supply systems; increased loads of dissolved salts, mainly sodium chloride, to the water used in urban areas. This salt may enter the drainage systems of the area indirectly via the city's sewage treatment facilities. Wfthout adequate treatment of such dissolved solids, the influence on downstream water supplies (including those used for irrigation) is detrimentalo increased high concentrations of organic material and faecal bacteria, which commonly occur in the first flush storm flow. Minimization of the detrimental effects arising from urbanization, will require overall or area-wide approaches co.aring natural drainage areas and the close co-ordination of 12 affected local councils. One possi,bility may be to discharge water into storage and detention basins where silt and organic loads can be removed and the water can be sterilisedo Such an approach could have an added benefit by enabling substantial reduction of peak flood flows. (x) Rural deyelopment has also had effects upon the quality and.quantity of water resources within.and beyond the sub-regiono The most obvious example is the Calivil irrigation area in the northetn part of the Loddon-Campaspe Region where problems of rising ground water levels and high ·salinity haye .. been ~ncountered •. The comi)iex inter­ relationships be~een ground water tables, quantities of water used for irrigation, soils and ground water salinity condition$ have only very recentiybeen expiored .. in' detail. Such inter-relationships.have major implications for the tyPeS of crops grown in the areao Problems which could become major concerns.in the .Beridigo sub-region · include: ·

(a) over-cultivation with consequent risks of soil erosion and increased washing of silt and nutrients to streams; (b) over use of fertilizers, particularly if a significant amount is washed into streams,where they would deteriorate water quality and stream life; (c) development of rural subdivisions bn lots too small or close to streams to handle the waste effluent adequately; (d) development of rural areas by persons inexperienced in farming, leading to over_.grazing or other actions which may threaten the quality of· the reg~on's water resources; and (e) river improvement works planned and carried out in isolation such that the effect may only be to transfer problems from one municipality to another and to aggravate the overall problem - leading to a need for increased, much costlier additional river improvements at ~ later dateo 13 5. POPULATION The characteristics and current and projected size of the population need to be carefully considered as development plans and programmes are prepared. :F'ailure to identify and be guided by relevant indicators (such as a trend toward a proportionately older population or a stabilising growth rate) could lead to unnecessary and substantial expense for mistakenly anticipated services or for poorly located facilitieso Worse yet, might be failure to anticipate and provide essential services or facilities when urgently neededo The population of the Bendigo sub-region at the 1971 Census was 54,248 persons (compared to 49,547 in 1961), making it the fourth largest population concentration in Victoria (after the Melbourne Metropolitan Area, Geelong and the Ballarat sub-region). However, as shown at Table 1, the Bendigo sub-region's rate of population growth (9o48%) between 1961 and 1971 was far below the rate of increase for the Melbourne Statistical Division (26.13%) and the State as a whole (19.53%). Over the same period the Melbourne Statistical Division accounted for more than 900~ (578,635 persons) of Victoria's population increaseo In tot~l, the Melbourne Statistical Division's share of Victoria's population rose from 63048% in 1961 to 69.34% in 1966 and to ?1.32% in 1971. '!'he ~endigo sub-region dispiayed consistent growth during the 1961 - 71 Feriod. The population inc~easyd by 2,003 ~ersons (4.04%) between 1961 and 1966 and by 2,698 persons (5.23%J between 1966 and 1971 for a total gain of 4,701 persons. As shown at Figure 6, at the time of the 1971 Census, 28.8% (15,597 persons) of the population in the Bendigo sub­ region was under the age of 15, while 11.8% (6,404 persons) was over the age of 65. The percentage of persons under 15 years of age decreased between 1961 and 1971, but the percentage of persons over 65 increased, due in part to Bendigo's role as a retirement centre. Population increases or decreases in the sub-region are due to two factors: (a) natural increase or decrease depending on if there are more births than deaths; and (b) migration flows into and out of the area. The Bendigo urban area experienced a natural increase in population between 1966 and 1971 of 3.96%, whereas due to in­ migration the total population increase was really 5o 65% •. In a report on migration patterns (Models of Internal Mig,;:ation, John Paterson Urban Systems Pty. Ltdo) it ·is estimated that the Bendigo urban area lost 103 persons annually between 1961 and 1966, but gained 367 persons annually between 1966 and 1971. However, as indicated on Figure ?, out-migration did occur in the 15 - 19 nnd 20 - 24 age groups and particularly the males in the 20 ·· 24 group. Such movement was probably the result of younger persons moving to employment or advanced educational opportunities elsewhereo

J TABLE 1 POPULATION AND AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE

., . ' "•, ·-·, AVERAGE AX NU AL AREA POPULATION % INTERCENSAL . % INCREASE. GRO'W'I'H RATE 1961 1966 1971 1961_-66 1966-71' 1961-71 1961..;,66 1966-71 j1961..;.71 ... .. 1. 8 Vic-toria 2,930,113 3,2_19,526 3 ,_502' 327 9.8 8.37 19.53 1 • 9 1.7 - --· Melbourne Statistical 815 1,230,793 1,503,450 12.39 12.22 26.13 2.4 2.3 2.3 Division 1 '984' - .. Balla.rat ( c) 41,037 41 '661 39 '778 1.52 4.51 3.06 OoJ -0.9 -0.J I Bnllarat 1o,102 )2,246 14,405 21.22 17.63 42059 J.9 J.J I Joo {s} I c. B:.ingaree {s} 2,049 2,207 2,514 7o71 lJ.91 22069 1.5 2.G ·~ ~ 1.7 Buninyong {s} • 4,JlJ 4,8J6 5,124 12.12 5o59 18. 80 2.3 1.2 -0.2 Grenville {s} 1'8JJ 1'692 1'802 -7.69 6.50 .-1.69 -1.6 1.3

0 1 • 2 Se bas tapol: .{ s} 4, 663 4,966 5,268 6.49 6.08 12. 97 1 J 1.2 . i - 1.99 7.64 1.0 0.3 0.7 Balla.rat Sub-region 63, 997 67,545 68,891 5~54 - I o.4· I. 30ndigo {c} JO, 19 5 J0,806 32,007 2.02 4.oo 6.oo o.8 o.6 1.2 o.6 0.9 Eaglehawk (b) 4,926 5,230 5,J8J 6.17 2.92 9.27 I Huntly (s} 2,295 2,323 2,242 1022 -J.48 -0.26 0.,2 -0.7 -0.2 1.2 Marong (s} 6, 100 6,488 6,905 6.36 6.42 1J0 19 1. 2 1.J Stra"thfieldsaye {s} 6,031 6,703 7' 711 11 • 14 15.03 27.85 2. 1 2.8 2.5 - a -, Bendigo Sub-region 49,547 51,550 54,248 4.04 5.23 9.48 o.8 1 • 1 0 .J Male j Female

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:::::::::::::: !::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ~~:::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

20 • 24 :;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::~J

10 • 14 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 5 • 9 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::1 o • 4 ~: ~: ~: ~: ~: ~: ~: ~: ~: ~::: ~: ~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:~:I . I . 4 3 2 1 0. 0 1 2 3 4 Population m 000 's

AG.E - SEX· COMPOSITION, BENDIGO SUB - REGION, 1971 Total In cease

GEE LONG 10·52 BALLARAT 0·98 BENDIGO 5·66 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii LA TROBE VALLEY -1·58 11:::1111:111:::1111111m:111111111:11::11111111111:11111111111111:::m:::::1

WARRNAMBOOL 6·77 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii• SHEPPARTON 10·99 WANGARATTA 2·08 TRARALGON 4· 16 MIL DURA 2·01 WODONGA 10·07 ::::1::::1:1:::::1:::1111:::::::::11:::::::rn:m:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: HORSHAM 4·54 ii!Wiiiliiiiillliiiiliiillllii!Wi!!:::::::::::::::::::::::ml HAMILTON -3·87 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil I I I I I I I I I I I I I -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

NATURAL INCREASE ~mrnm

NET MIGRATION • SELECTED VICTORIAN TOWNS Percentage Total Increase, Natural Increase & Nett Migration 1966-1971 Source: Nat.ional Population Inquiry (Borrie Report) 1975

'Tl POPULATION - IN OUT MIGRATION cc-· • . ..__. 14 Unlike the Melbourne Metropolitan Area, immigration of persons from overseas is an insignificant population factor in the Bendigo sub-regiono Only a very small percentage (Q.7% or 374 persons) of the Bendigo in-migration during the 1966 - 1971 period was related to an influx of overseas migrants (see Figure 8). Conclusions and Implications. (i) The population of the Bendigo sub-region, like other similar country areas in Victoria, has received a very small share of the major population growth experienced by the State since 19000 This is evident by contrasting the population in 1901 for Victoria (l,201,070), the Melbourne Statistical Division (535,008) and the remainder of the State (666,062) with the populati~n in 1971 for Victoria (3t502~351), the Melbourne Statistical Division (2;503,450; and the remainder of the State (998,901)0 Approximately one of every two persons lived outside the Melbotirne area 75 years ago whereas now it is only one out of four. Unlike earlier years, Victoria's rate of population ~ncrease in recent years has been declining and, under present assumptions, is expected to continue to do so. (ii) Most of the relatively small population growth that has been occurring in the Loddon-Campaspe Region is in the form of increases in and around existing centres like Bendigo. Unlike the situation 75 or more years ago, fewer and fewer people are dependent on farmingo In 1901, 500~ of Victoria's population was rural; now it is 12o2%. (iii) Population in the sub-region is growing very slowly. The most recent estimate by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that the Bendigo sub-~egion had a population of 55,880 persons in 1974. This represents a lower rate of increase for 1971 - ?4 to that experienced between 1966 and 1971 (5.23%)o The City o! Bendigo population in 1974 was estimated at 32,480.personso

(iv) Most of the recent population growth in th~ sub-region has been in the City of Bendigo, the Shire of Strathfieldsaye and the Shire of Marong. ~he population of each Municipality in the sub-region increased between 1961 and 1971 except the Shire of Huntly which decreased by 53 persons. The City of Bendigo accounted for 1,812 persons (38o5% of the total growth), the Shire of Strathfieldsaye 1,680 persons (35-7%); the Shire of Marong 805 persons (17ol%) and the Borough of Eaglehawk 457 persons (9.72%). As is usually the case, most of the growth experienced in the Shires was from development adjacent to, or near, the existing built-up areao (v) The proportion of people in the sub-region in the working age group {between 15 and 65 years old) is considerably below that of Victoria and Australia, reflecting a decreasing proportion of younger persons and an increasing proportion of older personso However, the number of persons in the 0 - 4, 5 - 9, 10 - 14 and

J 15 15 -.19 age groups declined between 1961 and 1971. Thus, the potential for population growth in the Bendigo sub­ region without substantial in-migration, is declining. (vi) If present trends continue, the population for the sub­ region is projected to be 60,000 to 65~000 by 1986a This projection is derived only from past growth rates and does not in any way reflect population gains which . might result from government interventions like continuance or acceleration of the Victorian Government's Decentraliz­ ation ·Programme. It should be clear, however, that for the sub-region,like most areas of Australia, growth has slowed considerably and is projected to.continue to do so.· Accordingly, planning and development programmes in the area may need to be kept in scale with a more modest growth rate. · The projections provided also may be influenced by factors such as: (a) fewer births, because the nwnbe.r of women in the reproductive age group ( 15. to 49) in the sub-region is dec~easing as is the fertility rate. (b) increased death rate, which is directly related to the relatively large number of older people in the area~ . (c) continued movement of provincial people to larger population centres •.

ff\~fff\trrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt~rrr~~r AUSTRALIA 51523 ;~~ U. K. & IRE LAND 1488 : EUROPE. 806

NEW ZEALAND 127, ASIA 193, AMERICA 52, ALL OTHER 59

BIRTHPLACE OF BENDIGO SUB - REGION . POPULATION Fig.8 16

60 LAND USE

The existing development pattern (with its ~ositive and negative aspects) and the location, amount, nature and avail­ ability of land for future needs can have a pronounoed influence on the future of an area. Land may be used well, mis-used or abused. Examples of all three possibilities, can be found; sometimes abuse of land is an after effect of a stage in the economic development of an area - such as the lchi.d in Bendigo laid bare· by early gold diggings. But, in any event, past development patterns imprint deeply into a community. A generalized indication of ·land use in the Bendigo urban area is shown at Figure 9. Only major land use areas - residential, industriai, corimiercial and public uses are shown. The larg~ amount and widespread distribution of vacant land is not shown. Much of the latter is mined land and part of it will probably remain vacant under mining leases. That which is available for development requires considerable rehabilitation. Some former mining land has been used for industrial areas; the television station, the P.MoG. and the Army have _also made use of such land. A large centrally located business and government complex is the focal. point for the built-up area •. The Bendigo Town Hall, GoP.O., State Government Offices and the Base Hospital and Benevolent Home are located thereo Much of the land in the Bendigo urban area is used for residential purposes. New houses (some timber but mostly brick veneer) are being built, mainly on the periphery. Random redevelopment is taking place in older parts of Bendigo and Eaglehawko Most of this redevelopment is in the form of villa homeso Conclusions and Implicationso (i) The Bendigo urban area is less compact and more sprawling in form than many other centres. It does not look like a planned community but rather one which is evolving out of commitments made to an earlier era. This characteristic is largely due to Bendigo's gold rush beginningso The meanderings into the mining areas became the street network for the City and much of the mining land remains as large idle patches, scattered over the landscape. (ii) Forward planning by government to guide growth has not had a major influence on the area's overall development. Instead, the determinants have been mainly investment decisions of retailers, industrialists, housing developers and builders - along with ~omm.itments made _by transport and other public authorities. (iii) In some parts of Bendigo the lack of town plari..ning is also evident where incompatible industrial and residential uses are mixed together to the disadvantage of both. (iv) The need for a well-considered community-wide redevelopment programme is apparent in Greater Bendigoo This matter is being studied by the Urban Renewal Authority of Victoria Generalised Residential Development* Principal Parks and Open Spaces c::::J Major Public Uses Major Industrial Areas Major Commercial Uses -CJ Rural, State Forest and or Special Uses - Railway Arterial Roads Local Government Boundaries *The substantial amount of vacant land around this area is not shown . EXISTING LAND USE Bendigo Urban Area ~00~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig. 9 I l?. in conjunction.with local councils, and proposals for improving older, deteriorating parts of the area will be published soon. (v) The parks and areas around public buildings in the Bendigo urbm area are well-defined and attractively developed, particularly Rosalind Park adjacent ·to the central business district and Lake Weeroona along the main approach to Bendigo from the north. The presence of impressive historic structures and many mature trees throughout the urban area is a decided asset. A number of the older, wide, tree-lined streets are very attractive. (vi) The Bendigo Planning Scheme generally reinforces existing land use and development trends. Its main thrust is to: (a) propose urban growth as a compact extension of ·the existing urban area; (b) encourage.new residential areas on the perimeter of the existing built-up area; (c) retain the existing central business district as the predominant shopping and commercial area; (d) reinforce the existing concept of dispersed industrial areas by providing additional industrial zones ori the periphery of the City; and (e) use open space (includitlg forest land) to constrain development to the west, to separate residential zones to the south and to buffer industrial areas from other land uses. (vii) Physical influences can impose limitations or suggest opportunities for guiding development in the most attractive and economical manner. Principal physical factors of significance to future development of the sub-region include: · (a) sewerage - no serious impediments to growth are presented by the Bendigo Area Sewerage System. Unless major changes occur such as a Ve'IfY sizable increase in population or overloading d~e to additional industrial development~ the system . (after proposed improvements are made) should be able to accommodate existing and projected future growth to 1986. To maximize the money invested in the system, future growth should.be encouraged in readily serviced areas to the east, south and west. Additional development in the Kangaroo Flat area may present problems related to high sewage pumping costs; (b) flooding and surface drainage - development in some parts of the urban area is constrained because the land is poorly drained or subject to stream flooding. This applies particularly to land in the Shire of Huntly; 18 (c) derelict land - a large portion of the City of Bendigo, especially on the perimeter can be classed as derelict land. Such land serves as a constraint and deterrent to development~ Reclamation schemes such as the Hustler Scheme can help to offset this ·problem;

(d) conservation and recreation areas - the State Forest . Reserves and Recreation Reserves to the east of · the existing built-up area in the Shl.re of Strathfieldsaye could form ari att_:racti ve containment to otherwise continued urban sprawl; and · (e) other factors such as the soils, the undulating hill and valley topogrS.phy of the area:, the transport system and the water reticulation system also will continue to influence fUture developmento (viii) Little residential ~ubi..divisioil activity is U11derway in. the Bendigo urban area, and that which is occurring comprises an easterly extehsioh of the existing built-up area, particularly in Strathfieldsaye. A trend which is becoining more pronounced is for rural residential .sub­ division, especially along· main transport corridorso (ix) Continued development of rural subdivisions in the area may present a number of problems in future due to inadequate waste disposal and disruption of the natural· landscape and vegetation. Substantial costs may be involved in providing essential services to such areas. The pressure to continue to develop such land is great because it is relatively inexpensive .and lends its elf to fUlfilment of the current goal o.f many people - having a detached home on a large plot of .lando (x) ·As the sub-reg1on continues to experience slow growth and if a generally restricted economic situation prevails, greater attention should be given to gaining maximum effectiveness out of existing and future public facilities and services. As applied to the sub-region's physical development,. this would mean an emphasis on "in-filling" or development or re-development of land within .the urban area - as opposed to op.ening up raw land in the surround- · ing areas. 19 7. HOUSING The presence of an adequate amount of good quality housing to satisfy existing and anticipated future demands is very important to continued favourable development of a city or regiono In June 1971 the Bendigo sub-region had 15,932 occupied dwellings (15,?38 private and 134 non-private)o Considerable building e.ctivity has occurred since then and it is estimated that there are now 16,112 houses and 1,569 other dwellingso Dwellings in the Bendigo sub-region primarily consist of individual houses, most of which are owner-occupiedo Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey were satisfied (77.1%) with the quality of housing, however, they suggested that there is: (a) insufficient. housing for the aged; (b) a shortage of accommodation for single persons and students; and (c) a need for additional low cost rental accommodation. . There are few flats, and vecy .few houses and flats are .available to rent compared with the number of people seeking such accommodation. The limited range of dwelling size; style, location and price.range compounds this problem. Respondents to the.Socio-Economic Survey supported this view - 84ol% expressed concern about. the availability of low rental housing and 83~1% felt that there was not enough accomfno~ation for·students or single people in th.e urban areao .

. Bendigo is sharing in the trend for a hi~ demand for farmlet type properties in the outljring areas where people hope to enjoy the benefits of rural living - whilst still being able to use city facilities and serviceso People from Melbourne and other areas seeking to settle in Bendigo may. be grouped into the following categories: (a) those wishing to retire in Bendigo because of its temperate climate and its accommodation and facilities for the aged. Many of these people want. homes or villa units and generally hav.e the purchase money required; (b). those persons pursuing job opportunities or moving because their employers are shifting part or all of their operations to Bendigoo Some of these people may be more inclined to rent accommodation and this may account for the high level of dissatisfaction with the availability of low rental housing indicated by the Socio-Ec.onomic Survey; and (c) students at the State College of Victoria at Bendigo and Bendigo Institute of Technology. These students require hostel and other accommodation. Some landlords are renting single houses to five or six students instead of to single families, in order to. obtain higher rentals. Traditionally, flats have been created by conversion of big, older houses into two or three units. However, councils

; __ 20 and local authorities are tending to restrict this splitting of houses. Therefore, additional flats are mainly coming from new block developments. However, the supply of flats is likely to remain fairly low because many of the blocks are being used for own your own's and villa units which have higher financial returns. Additionally, there is a shortage of housing and present building activity is not adequately responding to this situation. The number of houses built in the March quarter 1975 (83) was much less than the I1a.rch 19?4 figure (114). A number of building firms in the area have not been able to operate at .full capacity because of scarcity of reliable labour and difficulties in getting and retaining sub-contractors. One result of the current situation is that some people are not seeking to build, being content to continue to rent. Also, more of the efforts of builders are being directed away from houses towards construction of more profitable flats and villa units. A majority (68.6%) of the respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey believed that greater assistance should be given by government to the building and construction industry and 2lo2% considered that the current level of assistance shotild be maintainedo The limited number of new homes is also related to the shortage of available, serviced building blocks. Developers of new estates and sub-divisions are now required to.provide services before houses can be built and many small developers do ndt have the ready capital to do ·soo To meet ~he demand for serviced land, some government involvement may well be necessary. I1any of the dwellings in the urban area are _old (some are 100 years old), and although most are well-maintained, consider­ able replacement will be necessary over time. Much of the older housing in the .established areas, especially that which has become sub-standard, is not attractive for most people moving into the area or those in Bendigo seeking to relocate. The cost of houses is generally less than in Melbourne and Ballarat although, like everywhere else, it is increasing substantiallyo In 19?4, 690 houses were sold compared with 831 in 1973 and ?16 in 1972. Although the number of trans­ actions has risen and fallen again, the mean price per sale has increased markedly, especially for 19?3 - 19?4. This trend is continuing. The estimated current average sale price per house is over $20,000o The number of building blocks sold was 283 in 19?2, 356 in 1973 and 263 in 19740 The mean price per sale went from $2,324 to $2,242 and to $3,94?. It is now increasing steadily and the average price of blocks is now around $4,000o Most of the available building blocks are in the outlying areas particularly to the east (such as Kennington and Strathdale). These blocks are more expensive than those elsewhereo Most of the buyers are from Bendigo. 21 Conclusions .and Implications. (i) Even if there is only minimal population growth in Bendigo, there will still be a significant demand for new homes since the demand from the additional population • will be supplemented by the need to replace sub-standard dwellings and to provide for new family formation and dwelling moves by existing residents. It is estimated that about 900 additional dwellings will be needed yearly in the Bendigo sub-region to satisfy this situationo A much greater number of dwellings will, of course, be needed if substantial growth takes place. (ti) An early solution to the housing problem is needed, involving the private sector and government including a greater contribution than in the past from the Housing Commission of Victoria. By January, 19?5, the Commission had· built 773 houses and flats in the sub-region and was building 131 houses •. With continued emphasis on decentralization, the demand for' Housing Commission accommoaation in country areas can be expected to increase.

(iii) The process of supply and demand is likely to overcome the problem of scarce rental accommodation although not in the .. short term. Again the Victorian Housing Conunission may be able to assist. Policies directed . tbwards discouraging conversion of older houses into flats should be reconsidered. · (iv) A policy of utilizing .undeveloped l.and within the urban area could improve the housing $ituationo ~esides increa$ing the readily available-supply of building blocks it should have the effect of bringing many . small builders back into the industry who do not have the financial resources to compete in the urban fringeo . (v) More .replacement of old houses due to deteriorating structures is likely to be required to 1986 than has occurred in the pasto This has significant implications for the local building industry. The opportunity . should. be taken in some areas for large scale redevelopment o·

___._ 1 22

8 o TRANSPORT

The degree to which movement of people and goods to, from, and within the Bendigo sub-region is efficient, economical and safe ~ especially in comparison with competing centres - is very important to the successful functioning of the sub­ regiono Bendigo's continuation as a provincial centre supporting a large, rural hinterland and an increasing number of industries is:

(a) dependent on and influenced by the transport network of road, rail and, to a lesser extent, air facilities; and (b) heavily reliant on effective transport flow and inter­ action. being maintained and improved, where needed, to cope with increasing demands on the transport system. Roads. Bendigo's geographical location, physical setting and development have determined a roadnetwork in which the Bendigo sub-region acts as a hub for four State Highways: (a) the Calder from Melbourne via Bendigo to 1'1ildura; (b) the Midland extending north-east to Shepparton and with a connection to Echuca; (c) the 1'1civor comiecting to the Hume Highway; .and

(d) the Leddon Valley forming a link to Ke~atig and the 1'1urray Valley Highway. These, together with several other major roads serve the surrounding hinterland. Traffic flows are dominated by movements to and from such centres as Castlemaine, ·.Maryborough, Shepparton and Swan Hill. Otherwise, the major external trat.fic flow to and from the sub-region is between Bendigo and Melbourneo The Calder Highway to Melbourne is the Bendigo sub- region's most important route because it not only connects the two cities but also provides a link in the routes to Castlemaine, Maryborough and Ballarat. Despite its significant function and the relatively high traffic volumes carried, the Highway ·is almost totally a two lane carriageway, with passing lanes provided on most steep sections. However, the following by-passes are planned: (a).· extension of the Calder Freeway at Niddrie to by-pass Keilor and join the Highway at the Keilor-Melton road (in the design stage); · (b) a freeway standard by-pass at Diggers Rest to eliminate the level-crossing there (in the planning stage); and (c) freeway standard by-passes for Gisborne and Kyneton (in the planning stage). Upgrading of the Calder Highway over the last two years has cost $5 milliono The Country Roads Board is presently reviewing its progra.ru.me for further development of the entire road length between Bendigo and·Melbourne. ------

23 The Mcivor Highway from Bendigo to Heathcote and then on to the Northern Highway to Kilmore linking with the Hume Highway to Melbourne provides an alternate route to the Calder Highway.· The distance via the Mclvor Highway is only 8 kilo­ metres longer (157 as against 149). Completion within the ensuing months of the Wallan to Broadford section of the Hume Freeway will .further improve this routeo Responsibility for maintenance and improvement of the above road links rests with Local Govern.merit and the Country Roads Boardo The C.RoB. is responsible for the State Highways and bears the major share of the cost for declared main roads. The munic.ipali ties are responsible for financing the maintenance, construction and improvement of all other roadso Municipalities are responsible fQr 85% of the road and street mileage within the Bendigo Division of the C.RoB. Bendigo has an extensive urban road network (as shown at Figure 10). The street pattern is largely a product of unplanned growth in the gold mining era imposed on an undulating topography. ·Generally the roads are characterised by wide road reserves with a sealed central pavement and short straight sections. The road system tends to' focus. on the Calder and Midland Highways which join in th~ ;City Centre and form an important transport corridor. A nt.imber bf roads closely parallel this corridor and generally follow the course of Bendigo Creek. Other major arteries extend from the City Centre, especially north west towards Eaglehawko Roads in the Bendigo sub-region may be classified into one of three functional classifications (as shown at Figure 10): (a) arterial roads or those serving through traffic movement, extension of inter-regional movement or major traffic flow within th~ urban area; · (b) · sub-arterials or those supplementing arterial roads by providing connections between them and local streets; and (c) local streets which mainly provide access to residential areaso Many roads and streets are performing all these functions. This occurs largely because:- (a) a number of local streets parallel the arterial and sub-arterial roads and thus carry through traffic; (b) most arterial and sub-arterial roads are serving residential areas; and (c) there is a lack of route continuity in many sections with arterial roads flowing directly iri.to sub-arterial roads and local streetso · Railwayso . Bendigo is an important railhead in the Victorian Railways' network. A heavy duty double track from Melbourne via Castlemaine links to a number of lines extending to the north serving the townships of Echuca, Swan Hill, Kerang, Cohuna, Sea Lake, and Robinvale in Victoria and Deniliquin and Balranald in New South Waleso These lines also serve +-+--- Railway - Arterial Sub-Arterial Local Government Boundaries

EXISTING TRANSPORT SYSTEM Bendigo Urban Area ~1000~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig. 10 24- the rural areas with numerous small stations and sidings. The Victorian Railways is the largest employer in Bendigo. Currently 1,140 persons are employed; 570 are in the Maintenance and Repair Workshops and the remainder are involved more directly in the daily operation of services. Many of the operations carried out at the Workshops are considered uneconomic in comparison with Melbourne and, in order to keep the high capital investmentfully operational, some of the workload is brought from Melbourne. Due to the comparatively small skilled workforce at Bendigo current plans are to maintain employment and facilities at present levelso · Bendigo has large freight marshalling yards and smaller suburban loading facilities are located at Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Eaglehawk and at the other numerous sidingso In 1973/74, these Bendigo stations handled over 15,000 tonnes of outward goods and close to 150,000 tonnes of inw~rd goods. The small amount of outward goods is a reflection of the poor patronage given to the Railways by local industries, probably due mainly to increasing competition from road transport (in 1972/73 about 25,000 tonnes of outward, goods and nearly 140,000 tonnes of inward goods were carried by the Railways)o Factors encoliraging this competi"bive advantage include: (a) Section 92. qf the Constitution which has been interpreted to enable Uhr~strioted trade betw~en states a.rid has Unintentionally led t6 significantly increased truck freighting~ (b) the view of a number of industries that road transport offers greater savings in convenience and comparative costs; and · (c) the right of Approved Decentralized Secondary Industries under the Victorian Government's Decentralization programme to use their own trucks for freight transport, coupled with the granting of permits to truck transport operators to enable transporting of goods fpr decentralized industrieso In an attempt to provide a better-balanced freight transport programme, the State Government recently established six consultative committees for transport regions ~n Victoriao These committees are to advise on those transport improvements required in each region to achieve more .economic u~ilization of the State's transport resources. ' . The Victorian Railways believe that suffici~nt rail freight services have been scheduled to serve the Bendigo sub­ region 1 s needs with allowances for adequate flexibility in railway timetabling by use of 'when.required' trains. However, much consideration is being given to improvements in services. For example, where practical, pallets and containers are being used to reduce costly handling and loading of goods (one of the drawbacks of rail 9perations)o A Regional Freight Centre is being established at Horsham to concentrate freight loading and eliminate inefficient handling of freight at small centres and sidingso At this time Bendigo is not being considered as a Regional Freight Centre, principally because the lines which radiate from Bendigo are 9enerally longer than 250 kilometres. 25 Short branch lines favour the use of motor transport to collect and deliver goods to and from a Regional Freight Centre. However,. future developments may make a Regional Freight Centre practical. Currently much of the goods traffic passing through Bendigo is seasonal, for example, the wheat areas to the north west generate almost all of their total goods movements in a few weeks of the yearo The recent Inquiry and Report on the Victorian Land Transport System (the Bland Report) recommended restricting services on these lines to limited time periodso If this were done the number of goods trains passing through Bendigo would be reducedo . The Victorian Railways operates passenger services on all lines extending fro~ Bendigoo The mdst important service is to Melbourne via Castlemaineo In 1974 approximately 50,000 persons used the rail service from Bendigo to Melbourne (or about 80% of outward passenger traffic from Bendigo). The trip takes two and a half hbtlrs on the fastest services (those which run express between Melbourne and Woodend); otherwise this trip is about two and three-quarter hours'° The same trip by motor vehicle is about two hourso However, the cost of a return economy class fare provides travel at aboht 2.5 cents per kilometre - a considerable saving against present motor travel costs. Special concessions such as day return ticke.ts and Sunday family tickets enable even greater economies. · There are proposals to reduce the time disadvantage between road.and rail by upgrading the track between ~endigo and Melbourne from ?O mph (110 km/hr) to 80 mph (130 km/hr) in certain sectionso Major reconstruction would.be necessary to upgrade the entire 162 kilometre tracko Buses. Bendigo operates as a terminus for privately-owned and operated bus services from Dunolly, Pyalong, Wycheproof, Swan Hill, Shepparton and Ballarat.. The bus operators are regulated in the services they can provide by the Transport Regulation Board and are not permitted to compete directly with rail services. Operators supplement their income by providing parcel, newspaper, mail and charter services. 1'1a.ny have .contracts with the State Education Department· for transport of school childreno

Bus travel within Bendigo (about 97 000 pa~sengers in March, 1975) is provided by two companies ~Kangaroo Flat Bus Lines Pty. Ltdo and Bo Mo Walker's Bus Service Pty. Ltd.o) which between them provide a service on fourteen routes. Bendigo residents gave much greater patronage to trams than they have to the buses which replaced them in 19710 The relative unpopularity of the buses is not due to any single factor, but a number of possibilities can be suggested: (a) the trams offered a service which Bendigo residents had been familia:r.- with for years, especially elderly people (who now constitute a significantly high proportion of residents); and (b) buses on many of the routes are experiencing difficulties with proper kerbside stopping procedures because of the high camber on roads, trees along the roadsides and gravel surfaces. between the centre pavement and the gutter.; 26 (c) bus shelters are needed on many of the routes. A three year programme by the Transport Regulation Board to construct twenty shelters per year is currently in its second year. Decline of bus patronage in Bendigo is a major concern. This decline is despite co-ordination of bus routes so that trips do not necessarily terminate at the City Centre, provision of a reasonable service frequency during off-peak periods on the routes with highest patronage, promotional activities by the operators and maintenance of fares that are reasonably low, especially for long distances (about 8 kilometres of travel for 34 cents). l'1any services, particularly those late at night and on Sunday, are operating with only a handful of passengers or running empty. Air. The air transport facility serving the sub-region is tlie' Bendigo Aerodrome located 5 kilometres from the City Centre on 113 hectares of former Crown lando It is now a Category 1 Authorised Landing Area but is being upgraded to a Class 'C' licensed field. The site does not contain much room for further expansion if needed t9 accommodate larger aircraft. This may not.be a problem if trends continue toward more use of aircraft with relatively short landing and take-off requirements. Conclusions and Implications. (i) The Bendigo urban area's continued expansion as a viable provincial centre serving not only the immediate urban area but the surrounding hinterland stretching from .Kyneton to Swan Hill and Echuca to Maryborough, is heavily dependent upon a transport system which enables relatively quick, easy, economical and safe access to facilities and services. The most important road link in this system is the Calder Highway to Melbourne. Substantial improvement to this Highway is neededo (ii) The road network within the Bendigo sub-region serves the area reasonably well, but it needs substantial improvement to: (a) correct previously unplanned road development; (b) accommodate existing and projected demands on the system; and (c) continue to update the system to higher design, construction and maintenance standards • . I (iii) Fortunately, the City of Bendigo, Borough of Eaglehawk, Shires of Huntly, I1arong and Strathfieldsaye, and the Country Roads Board recognized these pressing needs several years ago and co-operated to undertake an area-wide transportation study to identify specific needs and prepare a comprehensive programme to deal with them over time as funds become available. The transportation plan resulting from the study (as shown at Figure 11) has been adopted in principle by all the study participants and improvements to the system are underway. Work is proceeding slowly because funds are limited. At currently projected funding levels, SHIRE OF HUNTLY

SHIRE OF STRATHFIEL.DSAYE

•••• Existing D ivided - Divided Arterial Sub-Arterial Local Government Boundaries

1991 ROAD TRANSPORT PLAN. Bendigo Urban Area~~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig 11 27 the.20-year road improvement programme outlined in the plan will take at least 40 years to complete. (iv) Unlike many other urban areas there. are few private streets in the Bendigo sub-regiono The majority of the roads were surveyed in the 1850's and Councils are responsible for their construction and maintenanceo This has placed Councils in a difficult financial position. In addition,. since most of the roads in the urban areas are 30 metres (99 feet) between reserve boundaries, the large sections of unsealed gravel road shoulder (on either side of the narrow sealed pavement in·the centre) require continual grading to provide an acceptable surfaceo Also, many of the unsealed surfaces in th.e hilly terrain are subject to scouring and require replenishment. Because of these factors, the costs of road maintenance and street cleansing are higho A recent su.rVey indicated that reworking 167 km of roads in Bendigo to modern standards would cost nearly $13 milliono (v) The.transport system of the sub-region represents a tremendous investment - one which as it is expanded and improved will require appreciably more funds for its maintenance and operation - at current costs, over $25 million for road improvements .alone. Accordingly, the best possible physical and financial planning should be undertaken before any major additions or improvements are madeo {vi) Following from this, consideration should be given to re-assessing periodically the type, form of construction, .• and financial programming of .future road improvements witll­ in and outside the Bendigo sub-region taking into account: (a) the scarce financial resources available for such improvements, especially with .the increasing proportion of such resources required for upgrading and maintenance; (b) the need to ensure that additional road construction is sensitive to the social and environmental fabric of the area; and (c) the desirability of providing greater balance to the entire transport system, particularly by improving the rail, bus, footpaths and bicycle components of the system through appropriate planning and financial assistance. (vii) The future of rail transport in the sub-region will be dependent in part on the satisfactory resolution of the problems presented by Section 92 of the Constitution and on modification of the State Government's decentralization policies to minimize the competitive advantages now given to road transport. It will also be dependent on continued subsidization of passenger services and upgrading of the rail system in the interests of: (a) maximizing utilization of the sizable investment represented by Railways; 28 (b) · maintaining an important employment component of the area's economic structure; and (c) · offering miich more of an energy conserving and relatively pollution-free transport mode as an alternative to over-reliance on motor vehicleso (viii) Although much of the rolling stock is 50 years old, the rail passenger service is considered good. Trends indicate an improvement in patronage of country passenger services with the downward swing of recent years being arrested. In contrast, rail operating costs have risen dr~atically. The passenger terminal facility at Bendigo is modern and comparable to other facilities throughout the State and is considered adequate to meet present and projected demands. (ix) The programmed improvements to the existing aerodrome, should be adequate for current and projected needs to 1986. (x) Major attention needs to be given to the problem of bus transport wfthin the Bendigo urban area although the existing service is considered adequate, de~reasing patronage, coupled with rising operating co~ts is slowly crippling the service. Subsidies CLre neede(i. to maintain existing services if the Transport Regulatipn Board policy to hold fares constant is to be retained. The bus service provides an alternative to an otherwise almost exclusive· reliance on private cars and.the resultant problems of sehting the transportation needs of the elderly, ·the yoting, the handicapped and those who cannot afford to· own a car or who have chosen not to. Measure­ ment of the cost of providing bus services ~hould be ·balanced against the additional physical anq social costs which would arise if no bus services were available. (xi) Although no specific suggested solutions can be offered at this time, retention and continuance of an adequate public transport system is very much needed in a key provincial centre like Bendigo and efforts directed toward this objective may need to be a major priority in the .communityo (xii) · The Socio-Economic Survey indicated that 55.5% of the respondents were satisfied with the bus and rail services provided in Bendigoo .Responses varied as to who should have administrative and financial responsibility for transport services, as shown below:..; Administrative Financial Responsibility Responsibility Private Enterprise 20.7% 24.1% Local Government 2608 19;.l Regional Authority 9.7 3.7 Victorian Government 28.3 35ol Australian Government .12.2 17.1 29 (xiii) Respondents· to the survey were dissatisfied with car parking facilities in Bendigo (~.8%) and heavily supported the view that Local Government should have the financial (68.1%) and administrative (71.8%) responsibility for creation o,f car parks. More investigation into this matter may be appropriate. 30 9 COMMUNICATIONS The available communica-tfon network. and the various modes such as newspapers, r.adj..Q--and television, telephone and mail, effectively save .t~e, effort and transport costs by acting as .substi:tu.t..es.. ...f'..er·-movements of personso The whole range of communication processes enables organisations to be in many

plac.es- since they need not rely on face to face contact D This is very important to country areaso Conclusions and Implications. (i) The Bendigo sub-region is fairly adequately provided with media, postal and telephone facilities and services, except that its country location is a handicap in terms of telephone costs. (ii) By 1977 Bendigo is to become the Regional Mail Centre for the north central and north we~tern parts of the Stateo This will mean increased mail sorting and associated operations at Bendigo, necessitating about 100 additional staff under full operationo (iii) Telephone costs are based on 'community of interest' areas. This places telephone users in the Bendigo sub- region at a financial disadvantage in comparison with thos~ in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. For example, a rate of 4.75co is made for each subscriber's call with­ in the Melbourne Telephone ~istrict (extending from Ber\.Tick to Sunbury and vJhittlesea to Werribee)o In contrast, the Bendigo Telephone District is much smaller and subscriber calls within the district ar~ charged at the rate·of 6 cents per call. ·Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey agreed (72.1% with an additional 9.1% with no opinion) that telephone communications were difficult due to high tphone charges. (iv) An industry or commercial enterprise located in the sub­ region which·requires constant communication with of.fices or clients in Melbourne or another centre is tinancially disadvantaged in comparison with a 1'1elbourne•based firm. Such costs may have a strong influence on a f'irm's consideration Of a country location. Some persons have argued that the cost structure should be changed by the Government as a concession for decentralization of . industries or State Government should meet the cost of such calls for Approved Decentralized Secondary Industries. 31 10. URBAN RECREATION Recreation facilities in urban areas have, until recent times, tended to follow development rather than be provided as an integral part of the residential environment. Consequently, the primary concern is not to determine if recreation facilities provided in Bendigo's early development were adequate for the population. but, rather, if existing facilities are adequate for the present and future populationo In doing so it is important to recognize that changes in participation in recreation pursuits occur over time. Composition of the population; degree of mobility; amount of leisure time available; and the proportion of income spent on leisure activities are continually changing and altering the level and type of participation in recreation. Recreation takes many different forms. The essential elements of "recreation" "leisure" or "free time" are freedom of choice and enjoyment. Therefore, recreation is based on individual choice and is wide in scope, encompassing activities. such as drama, crafts, reading, watching television as well as the generally acknowledged physical pursuits~ Recreation is thus an activity that can be pursued alone or with others whether organized or not. An indication of existing recreation facilities is shown at Figure 12. Conclusions and Implications. · (i) Over the years, Bendigo has been deficient .in recreation facilities and those available have tended to be overused. A contributing factor is that, since the older schools were not provided with recreation facilities as is now required, excessive use is.made of non-school facilities, particularly ovals, which have little chance to recover. Rapid development of soccer in the area has not been met with a·concurrent development in.soccer pitches. (ii) Recreation facilities in the residential areas are well distri'Quted. The amount of public open space, while not generous, is reasonably adequate. Some of the vast areas of derelict land could be used for expansion of recreation facilities. · . . . (iii) Bendigo's facilities for live theatre and similar activities are inadequate~ Bendigo has a pressing need for a large hall/auditorium/theatre similar to the Civic Hall in Ballarat. (iv) As Bendigo expands as a centre for retired and elderly people, more attention should be given to the recreation needs of these people by providing appropriate recreation facilities and services. (v) A difference of opinion exists between Local Government representatives and local residents over the adequacy of recreation facilities. The latter noted deficiencies in facilities, particularly for young people, especially for rapidly expanding organized sports like soccer. In the. Socio-Economic Survey, over 60% of the respondents felt team sports were well catered for but 62% expressed a need for more facilities to pursue individual interests Shire of Marong City of Bendigo Shire of Strathfieldsaye Shire of Eaglehawk Local Government Boundaries Note: -Numbers refer to numbers in text for each Local Gowrnment Area RECREATION .FACILITIES Bendigo Urban Area ~000~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig. 12 32 and· 65% indicated that more land should be made available to the public for recreation~ An examination of State and Australian Government grants and subsidies awarded in 1973/74 and 1974/75 for· public recreation needs in the sub-region indicated that in 1973/74,.nearly $185,000 was made available for the. Bendigo Sports Complex, the Bendigo District Sports Grounds, swimming pools in Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat and a community hall at Lake Eppalocko In addition, $16,595 was provided for a number of youth activity grantso No subsidies were granted in 1974/75, except for,$9,502 for a variety of youth activities. (vi) . In recent years major improvements have been made to expand and upgrade the recreational faciliti~s available to residents of the Bendigo sub-region. Additional improvements will be needed to accommodate increased demands by residents for a wide range of recreation faci,lities, particularly if the trend towards increasing leisure time continues. (vii) Recreation facilities are being provided in the developing areas surrounding the City of Bendigo, particularly in the Shires qf Strathfieldsaye and Marongo · It is generally acknowledged that use of facilities cannot be, restricted to local ratepayers~· Th.ere is, therefore, a need for local councils in the sub-region to combine resources when providing recreatioh facilities.; (viii) Consideration should· be given to developing· a recreation .plan involving all local councils in the sub-region. This could help the setting of priorities for the use of the limited funds available for recreation purposes and could enhance co-ordination of the activities and services. (ix) Local. councils in the sub-region may wish to eX:plore the advantages of employing a Municipal Recreation Officer, utilising subsidies offered by the Victorian Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. ·

. . 33 llo URBAN CONSERVATION Urban conservation entails the identification of historic buildings, landscapes, and elements in urban areas worthy of preservation. At present, such conservation activities in Victoria mainly involve identifying buildings which ought to be designated under the Historic Buildings Acta The.Bendigo sub-region's extensive and varied history is reflected in a number of significant structures. The most lavish period was in the 18?0's and 1880's as the fine buildings of that period testifya The legacy that remains of that period mainly consists of outstanding public rather than residential buildingso

Conclusions and Implications~ (i) Although it appears that most of the obvious buildings of significance have been classified and recorded, unfortunately there seems to be relatively little local interest in saving historic features.worthy of preservationa· This disinterest could be a problem because strong local concern is usually needed to ensure that ill-considered development does not intrude :upon and· . . d~minish the distirlctive character of historic stf.uctures and surrounding areas. Some buildings, in additipn to those listed by the.National TrUst, should be preserved in order to ensure that a historic character is retained for .an areao (ii) The demolition of A'Beckett's Building highlights the need for a more thorough and sympathetic approach to maintaining significant aspects of the heritage of Bendigo's early period. With tourism being an important factor in the local economy,to remove or mar features that attract tourists, (like tree-lined streets and distinctive older.buildings) seems unwiseo · (iii) In recent years, the Australian Government has made grants to assist in the restoration·. of the Police Barracks ·in Bendigo and the Victorian Government,recently.purchased the Shamrock Hotel. Continuance of such actions can do · much to retain at least a part of the nation's heritage •

. . 12. TOURISM Tourism is important to the economy of the Loddon-Campaspe Region as well as of the Bendigo sub-region. In the Socio­ Economic Survey, 84% of the respondents agreed that tourism is beneficial to Bendigo. Only 14% of the respondents indicated that tourists detracted from the "atmosphere" of the town and created problems for local people. The major tourist attractions in the area include: a Rosalind Park; b Botanical Gardens and Zoo; c Great Deborah Mine; d Tourist Trams; e Joss House; f Bendigo Pottery; Lake Weeroona; Bendigo Whipstick and Eucalyptus Factory; u Art Gallery; Sandhurst Town; and ~~ White Hills Cemetery. Major annual tourist events include the Easter Fair and the Bendigo 2000. Bendigo does not have a large commercial tourist attraction similar to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. There are plans, however, to construct a Chinese Village (Dai Gum San) in the Bendigo area as a major tourist attraction. This project has been delayed for some time because of problems in obtaining a suitable site. Without conducting a specific survey, no accurate accounting of the number of tourists visiting the Bendigo sub­ region can be madeo However, some indication of the importance of tourism to Bendigo can be gained from the following figures provided by the Bendigo Trust, which indicate tourist activity during the long weekend 25 - 27 April, 1975· Facility 25/4/75 26/4/75 27/4/75 Great Deborah Mine 385 381 338 Tram Passengers 224* 299 292 Wax Museum 284 32? 309 * During the Anzac Parade the tramline was closed. Conclusions and Implications. (i) Lack of specific attractions of the nature of Sovereign Hill and the greater distance from Melbourne to Bendigo compared with Ballarat probably accounts for the relatively small number of visitors to Bendigo. Consequently, tourism in the Bendigo area supports far fewer employees than in Ballarat. (ii) At certain t~mes, the shortage of tourist accommodation is acut ·'). For example, over the long weekend, April 25 - 2(, 1975, one motel manager indicated that all the motels similar to his in the north central area of Victoria were fully booked. 35

(iii) There seems to be much potential for Bendigo to increase its· share of the tourist market if the Bendigo Trust continues to develop. Community leaders are keen to develop tourism much further.

i I .36 13. EDUCATION The type, nature and quality of education in an area has immense influence on its well-being and; accordingly, needs to be carefully considered in regional assessmentso Besides serving the education needs of the immediate area, Bendigo performs a vital role as the major education centre· in the Loddon-Campaspe Region particularly for tertiary students and handicapped children. It is the location of one of the six regional offices of the Victorian Department ofFducation. Figure 13· shows primary and secondary schools in the urban area:.

Primary and S~~~!!£~ Schools. There are four government primary schools in Bendigo classified as disadvantaged by the State Education Department. These schools have an enrolment of 1215 pupils (637 boys and 578 girls), which is about one quarter of the total enrolment in government primary schools in Bendigo. I' One of these disadvantaged schools," Kangaroo Flat, (in the Shire o:f &ro.ng), with a total of 579 pupils, is located in an area experiencing continued enrolment increases. According to the Department of Education, many of the students at the Kangaroo Flat school come from social, economic anci culturally deprived backgrounds. About 43 students come from one parent :fmnilies; 45 students are from families where both parents are unemployed and 201 students are.from families where both parents a.re working and, therefore, the studehts present a 'latch-key' problem for the community. Apprbxim~tely one of every four students requires special assistance:· in physio- speech ther.·apy and social adjustment. ·i The other disadvantaged schools are in the California Gully and Eaglehawk area which is ariother area expe.riencing enrolment increases. California Gully Primary Schqol has 93 ·students and has an excessive turnover of students~because many are from families ·which move in or out of the ·iarea depending on availability of low cost housing. One of every:two students is a 'latch-key' childo Compounding the problem of this .disadvantaged school is that the Eaglehawk communi1;y lacks a· variety of available. community resources (such as O,lubs, libraries and activities for children) which are considered beneficial to a child's development through the school years. 'Latch-key' children could be better accommodated without creating separate facilities if school hours could be extended to enable use of recreational facilities· within the schoolso Reduction of crowded conditions in several government schools requires attentiono Aside from disadvantaged schools, the school areas of major concern to the Education Department's Regional Office are, in .order of priority, Long Gully, Eaglehawk and Jobs Gully, Strathrieldsaye, and Kangaroo Flat. Each · of these areas is discussed below. (i) In the Long Gully area the Housing Commission is constructing single family houses on 337 lots lying directly between two primary schools (Long Gully with 165 pupils to the north and Specimen Hill with 99 pupils to the south). A third primary school, Violet Street, with 227 pupils is located to the east. /

SHIRE OF HUNTLY

\ \

Primary ] • Secondary Government • Technical • Primary ] Non Gov • Secondary - ernment • local Government Boundaries

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS Bendigo Urban Area ~000~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig. 13 3? The Housing Commission development is closer to. Long Gully primary school, so it is anticipated that the approximately 168 children expected from the new estate will crowd into this school. To avoid problems, the Education Department has requested the Housing Commission to release seven acres of land for a new school siteo The Commission suggested two alternatives, both of which.were unacceptable to the Education Department one being too far away and the other too smallo (ii) The situation in the Eaglehawk and Jobs Gully area is that construction of 150 new Housing Commission homes there is likely to affect the three primary schools and high school located near to the estate. Eaglehawk primary school with 316 pupils would be affected the most. Comet Hill with 611 pupils is already above the optimum number of 600 students for a primary schoolo The other schools in the area are California Gully (93 pupils) and Eaglehawk High (625 pupils). The anticipated over-crowding may be averted because two new primary schools are planned for the area. One is to be located north-west of the California Gully school and the other within close proximity to the Housing Commission developmento However, construction schedules for these schools have not been established as yeto (iii) The Strathfieldsaye area is experiencing population increases which are having an impact on the schools in the area (Gravel Hill with 402 pupils, Flora Hill with 558 pupils, KE;lnn;i.ngtonwith 130 pupils and East Bendigo_ with:l25 pupils). Flora Hill is fast t3.pproaching an enr9iment saturation point and G:ravel ·Hill is not far · behind. The pressure may be eased because a new primary school is planned for the area near Strathdale Park.

(iv) In the Kangaroo Flat area the two schools (~garoo Flat ·primary with 579 pupils and Kangaroo Flat te.c;hnical with 615 pupils)·are fast approaching the saturat~1onpoint because of population increases. Another p~imary school may be needed. Another problem facing the Bendigo urban area is that most of the government primary schools are very old ~d require extensive expenditures for building maintenance. T~n of the · nineteen government primary schools in the area were· built over ninety years ago, including three schools classified· as . disadvantaged - Violet Street sohool 109 years old, Eaglehawk .. 101. years old and California Gully 92 years· oldo Maintenance and replacement costs associated with these.old schools can be expected to increase substantiallyo Adequate school site size is also important to the educational program:meo The Department of Education's preferred · site size for a p;t;imacy school is 3o2 hectares and only two of the government primary schools in the urban area are of this size (Flora Hill, about 4 hectares and Eaglehawk North, about 4o5 hectares). · Most of .the government primary schools in the area are on sites of less than 1.6 hectares. One of the smallest school sites (Golden Square, Oo43 hectares) has 55 students - a density 38 of 128 students per hectare. Eaglehawk N.orth with 108 students has a density of approximately 24 students per hectare. The. preferred site size for a technical or high school is about 6.1 hectares. Most of these schools in the Bendigo urban area are of this size or largero Only Bendigo High (2.4 hectares) and Flora Hill (5o7 hectares) are not. The Bendigo High School site is cramped, especially since the school has the largest enrolment (867 students) of all the secondary schoolso · Enrolment in the Catholic schools has been increasing (about 5% annually over the past 2 - 3 years)o The increase probably would have been higher if more classroom space had been availableo A new Catholic primary school is planned for Bendigo by the end of 1976. Non-government schools account for thirteen of the thirtyeight primary and secondary schools in the Bendigo urban area and ten of these are Catholic schools. Similar to Ballarat, teacher pupil ratios in the Catholic schools are approximately 1 - 33 at the primary level and 1 - 25 at the secondary level. The preferred school site sizes are 2 - 3 hectares for primary schools and 3 - 4 hectares for secondary schoolso Most of the schools do not meet this standard. Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey were generally ~atisfied with schools in both the inner parts (73o3%J and but er parts (64o 2%) of the urban areao They also c,onsidered . that the education provided in Bendigo is at least comparable with Melbourne (5309%,' with an additional 16~1% hav'ing no opinion), however, a need for more tr~de training W.~s indicated (67.i%, with an additional 12o5% having no opinion). Child-minding and Pre-school Facilities. The Bendigo urban area has two child..-minding facilities and twelve pre-schools. All of these facilities are filled to capacity and have long waiting lists. In 1971, 4,972 children were in the 40 - age group. Assuming that this nuinber has not changed much, ·only one of every five children has access to pre- schools and child-minding facilitieso · Existing facilities are not adequate to meet present demands and unless the situation is improved substaritially, they will not meet future demands. In addition, child-minding facilities are not accessible to all on an equal basis. · Because of the demand, many centres favour single parent families or families where both parents mus.t work due to economic necessity. Access to casual, part-time, or emergency child-minding facilities is difficult or unavailable. The Eaglehawk and California Gully area has one pre­ school facility and only a few children can be accommodated. Given the problems of this area, it is very important that children there take part in pre-school activities and have contact with their peers to prepare them for primary school. The problem of inadequate facilities will become more acute with additional Housing Commission building activity which will bring in more families with young children.

l ' . 39 , Other communities in the Bendigo urban area are experiencing problems. For example, at least 50 children are on the waiting list for Strathfieldsaye's one pre-school facility. This is enough to establish another pre-school centre in the area. A local Committee is at present discussing the provision of such a facility. Some pre-schools have been able to expand their sessions from the usual fifty children capacity to seventy-five by increasing the number of sessions held during the week. While this permits an additional twenty-five children to use the service, it is only available to some on a half day basis, three days a weeko Infant Welfare Facilitieso Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough and Marong Shire all have infant welfare centreso Bendigo has four; Eaglehawk and 1'1arong each have oneo Services in these centres are available to mothers and, their children from other municipalities. The Shires of Strathfieldsaye and Huntly have presumably not experienced a demand for centres becaus.e people in need of these services are able to use those in Bendigo Cityo These municipalities contribute towards the administrative and travel costs of the centreso Bendigo has.no family group homes but there are plans to have two homes in operation by October, 1975 with six children accommodated in each. Counselling and other supportive and back-up services will be offered by the Social Welfare Department. · The Loddon-Campaspe Region has approximately twenty-five approved homes for foster careo Whilst this is the preferred method of residential care for children, it is the most difficult programme to developo The Social Welfare Department Regional Office estimates at least 200 foster care parents are needed to accommodate the children for whom this type of care is suitable. Special Schoolso A new Special School to serve mentally handicapped children is being constructed in North Bendigo and should be ready before the end of 1975. The school will have a capacity of 144 studentso However, it is questionable whether this will be adequate ·to handle the children already approved for entrance by the Education Department's Psychology and Guid~ce Branch, as well as those identified by classroom teachers as needing special service. Since no accommodation will be available at the school, some hostel arrangements may need to be provided in the future, for children living great distances away or outside the region. In the future, rather than building more facilities of this type it may be better to provide facilities and resources in existing schools to enable guidance to be given to 'special' children in a normal school environmento Advantages of this are that children and parents do not have to travel. long distances and boarding facilities for children do not have to be provided. .There is a growing trend overseas to discontinue separate facilities for 'special' children and provide 'special' services and programmes for them within the normal school.

L 40 Children over four years old who are more backward than those admitted to the Special School may be enrolled at Peter Harcourt Day Centre for the Retardedo Tertiary Education Facilitieso , The Bendigo sub-region's tertiary education facilities are one of its principal assets. The Bendigo Institute of Technology and the State Technical College attract a large number of students from a wide catchment area. Merger of the facilities is underway and an enrolment of nearly 3,?00 students is anticipated by 19850 Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey were strongly of the view -(8?.?°~ with an additional 14.5% with no opinion) ·that persons who had tertiary qualifications tended to leave Bendigo because 6f poor job oppoi-tunitieso This could mean that the tertiary facilities are not adequately providing for the requirements of local employers. · · Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey were generally .satisfied (?Oo5%) with the adult education programmes in the area. · Concly.J;!i.Qa§ and. Ipiplications. ti) A.~~yi.~w:of the managemynt and.operation of the ~tate ·~q'4.0~111on programme as it a~plies to the sub-region . an& ~he ~oddon-Campaspe Region is underway. Observations and c<;):P,clusions.will be presented i~ the Final Report coite±'tfig the· enti.r~ region. .some of the information a:,.:pe~~y avai1rable indiqa;tes Fhat the Education Depal'tm~nt has significant long•ralige.pl~s (next 5 ~ 10 years) for the provision of education facilities. Plans for primary schools include! (a) a progressive reduction of class sizes to ·30 pupils; (b). an increase in the.distribution of specialist teachers; (<;:) the introduction of a teacher-librartan, physical education teacher, and arts and crafts teacher for every· school with a student enrolment over 225; (d) an increase in the number of teacher's aides; and (e) a reduction of class sizes in the first year of primary school to 25 pupils to coincide with class sizes at pre-school leve1 and to ease the transition from pre-school to primary school • .·Plans for secondary and technical schools include: (a) a considerable increase in the employment of persons to deal directly with students on a one to one basis, such as career advisers and student counsellors;· 41 (b) an increase in the number of teacher's aides; (c) a reduction of classes at the senior high school level to 20 - 25 students; and (d) expansion of counselling and migrant education programmes. _ Plans for disadvantaged schools include a closer examination, assessment and, where appropriate, adjustment to the list of schools at present designated. Some revision is expected at the end of 1975. In keeping with community trends, the Department is considering three concepts to encourage more community participation in educational programmes: (a) the school park concept; (b} community use of schools; and­ (c) reorganization of school councils. Implementation of the school park concept would probably be difficult to realiseo The Department has agreed in principle to the concept,,but it has not been abie to agree on how to apply ito Problems a±-e evident regarding location of school parks and incorporation of facilities already in useo To facilitate community use of schools, school hours would be extendedo This would benefit school children whose parents are working, provide recreationf).l facilities for children and enable community use of schopl facilities for adult education and self-development cour~es. School councils would be re-organized tp encourage parents to take an active role in the educatipnal process including influencing school programmes. . . . . (ii) Effective co-ordination between the Education Department and the Housing Commission regarding school and housing development planning and construction programmes seems to be lacking and efforts should be made to rectify this. (iii) Provision of schools and operation of the sch9ol system in the Bendigo urban area is likely to-become-more_ important in future, due to the rising costs associated _ with school construction, maintenance and operation. (iv) It has not been possible during the course of the regional studies to assess the quality of education received by students in the Bendigo urhan areao Investigation into this subject would be useful to establish comparisons between the advantages or disadvantages of country versus metropolitan education. (v) Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey were reasonably satisfied with education in Bendigo, however, it was generally felt_ that tertiary education.should be oriented more towards the needs of local employers. This matter should be investigated further. 42 (vi) The Bendigo urban area has a wide range of education facilities and services. The followinG, however, need some attention:

(a) upg:t'ading the fou~ designated disadvantaged primary ~chools which accommodate one out of every four pupils enrolled iri government primary schools; (b) reducing over-crowding in several schools; (c) providing more child-minding facilities so that th~y can be accessible to all on an equal basis; and (d). providing more pre-schools so that all children have an equal opportunity to attend. 43 14. HEALTH The Bendigo.urban area has two public hospitals and one private hpspital. There also are four private nursing homes, a mental health facility and a psychiatric centre. The bed capacities of Bendigo's hospitals for accommodating persons appear to be more than adequate for current arid projected needs to the year 1986. Most of the people needing hospitalization in the Bendigo sub-region seem to prefer to use the services available at Bendigo Base Hospital which has 299 beds. In 1974, 88% of · the 2,681 persons hospitalized went there~ Melbourne hospitals catered for a further ?.5%. Bendigo and Ballarat are popular retirement centres. Bendigo Hospital and Home for the Aged employs apprqximately. 17% of the total State employment in geriatric servipes; this compares with the 26% who are employed at the Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre at Ballarat. iNearly all the geriatric centres in the State ran at a deficit a.st year. . · Many aged persons cannot be accepted into nursing homes because there is a shortage of accommodation. For example, Bendigo Home and Hospital for the Aged has a waiting list of 200 persons. Similar waiting problems apply to th'e private nursing homes in the area. Demand for beds for males is far less than that for females. Demand for nursing beds for the aged is creating problem5 throughout the State. To relieve the situation some geriatric centres have established "Back to Nursin~" refresher courses and have provided on-site child-minding facilities to attract married personnel.

Old-age pensions are generally below the we~kly rate for care in a nursing homeo Individuals eligible for p·ensions and nursing home benefits from the Repatriation Dep~tment receive $129.50 weekly while those who apply to the Social; Security Department receive $136.10. Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey expressed a . relatively low level of satisfaction with homes for the aged · (42.5%) and even a lower level with convalescent homes (35.8%). These figures are lower than corresponding figures for Ballarat · and are a further indication of a general feeling of dissatis­ faction with medical services in the area. The level of satisfaction with home nursing services was high (68.8%). The Sand.hurst Boys' Centre appears to be meeting the demand for retarded males between 16 and 23 years old. At this time it is not possible to anticipate if.- expansion of the facility over the next fi V·3 years will adequately meet demands by the year 19860 The expruided facility will· provide treatment for girls and young womeno

The Hospital and Charities Commission believes that the ratio of doct.ors to people should be improved. Al though no specific recommended ratio is advocated in Victoria, the Australian Medical Association has a general guideline of one General Practitioner for every 1,500 people. 44

Recent establishment of the Community Health Centres at Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk (which were previously without resident doctors) is a major step towards improving the situation in the areao The ratio for Eaglehawk is now about 1:2,700 (two doctors are practising at the Eaglehawk - Long Gully Community Health Centre). The ratio for Marong is about 1:3,453 (two doctors are practising at the Golden Square - Kangaroo Flat Community Health Centre). These ratios do not differentiate between General Practitioners and Specialists. A high level of dissatisfaction with General Practitioners was eXJ>ressed by respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey (58.1% compared to 90.9% in Ballarat). There was a 72% positive response (with an additional 5.1% having no opinion) to the question that family doctors are not available. This confirms the low ratio of doctors to people indicated above and suggests that further steps need to be taken to meet this important public need.

The Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk Comm.unity Health Centres, now located in temporary facilities, will be using a 'total care' concept. A multi-disciplinary team will combine medical, physiotherapy, dental and infant welfare services together with supportive family; marriage and youth counselling, and social serviceso The estimated cost of constructing each centre is over $500,000, to be financed entirely by the Australian Government. Construction of additional facilities will be shared on the basis of 75% from the Australian Government and 25% from the State Government. Maintenance costs will be on the basis of a 900/o National and 10% State cost sharing. There are few dentists (9) in the sub-regiono The ratio of dentists to people is over l to 6,000, compared to the Victorian average of l to 2,745. Respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey felt that heal t.h centres would improve heal th care ( 77. 9°/o with an ·additional 14o5% having no opinion). Also respondents generally felt that neither medical (46.9% with an additional 18.6% with no opinion) nor dental (36.4% with an additional 21.3% with no opinion) services were as good as elsewhere. A high 9007% . (with an additional 3.8% having no opinion) agreed that better medical services were needed. Areas which appear to require more detailed examination include availability of 'General Practitioners (only 58ol% satisfied), dental services (39.9%), emergency medical services (47°/o), pensioner medic~l services (62o2%), rehabilitation services (48.9%), convale~cent homes (35.8%) and aged persons homes (42.5%) • . Conclusions and Implicationso (i) Bendigo possesses a range of health facilities and services which cater for the needs of a large part of northern Victoriao In particular, it is a popular retirement centre. (ii) However, respondents to the Socio-Economic Survey were highly critical of the availability of most of the health and medical services in Bendigoo (iii) The proposed Community Health Centres at Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk, which will provide a wide range of services, are seen as making a significant 45 contribution towards eliminating: existing inadequacies.' . . (iv) A detailed assessment of outstanding needs and of anticipated future requirements should be made. Clearly id·entified deficiencies include aged persons homes and nursing facilities; convalescent homes; medical practitioners and dentists. .46 15. SOCIAL SERVICES A wide range of Social Services are available to people in need in the Bendigo sub-region. Several of these services are provided by the Social Welfare Department of the Victorian Government, others are provided by the Australian Government Department of Social Security. Bendigo is a Regional Centre for both Departments. The Social Welfare Department Bendigo Regional Office has a heavy.workload (about 600 cases and with half of the work concentrated on the 200 cases in the Bendigo urban area). This situation may be relieved with the addition of two additional field staff and the opening of a sub-office at Castlemaineo Progress in planning and implementing new programmes and development of new services and staff allocations in Bendigo by the Social Welfare Department has been hampered. Some of this has been attributed to what has been described as lack of co-ordination and forward planning within and between the Social Welfare Department's Central Office and the Public Works Departmento Other staffing problems are related directly to the national shortage of trained welfare workerso The Bendigo Office of the Social Welfare Department works with various other Welfare Councils in the Loddon-Campaspe Region such as the Loddon-Campaspe Regional Council for Social Development, Marybdrough and District Welfare Coun~il, Kyneton Total Community Care; Echuca Welfare Co-ordinating~Committee and St.· Arnaud Total Community Care. Problems are:,evident because agencies responsible for health, education and welfare services have a nttmber of closely related programm~s and this causes co-ordination problems, including duplicatipn of services. The Division of Social Welfare of the Australian Department of Social Security also has difficultie~ in the planning and co-ordination of welfare services larg'ely because of its small staff o In 1974, 146 social workers and 22 welfare officers located in six State Central Offices and 79 Regional or District Offices were responsible for counselli~g services to 46,771 clientso A related contributing factor to ~he problem of meeting needs is the procedure whereby o.fficers ·~in the regional offices have to refer back constantly to the Central Office in Melbourne for information regarding services, facilities and organizations within their region. · The Department of Social Security has subsidised 740 beds in the sub-region. This includes 124 beds for the Bethlehem Hospital and Home, 52 beds for the Murridong Home for the Blind, 30 beds for Golden Oaks, 407 beds for the Bendigo Home and Hospital for the Aged, 67 beds for St. Lawrence Court, 12 beds for the R.S.Lo Home for Widows and 48 beds for Coronella. Seven organizations in the Bendigo sub-region have been subsidized by the Department to provide additional accommodation for the agedo The Department of Social Security provides a "Meals on Wheels" service using volunteer helpers, but the Bendigo sub­ region has experienced difficulties in recent years in recruiting ·a sufficient number of volunteerso Australian Government 47

subsidies· in Victoria for the programme hav·e · increa~ed from $32,000 in 1969 - 70 to almost $400,000 for 1974 - ?5. In 1973, Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye received 6% of the total State subsidy and in 1974 they received ll%a The Shires of Huntly and Marong do not provide Meals on Wheels services although Kangaroo Flat in Marong is expected to have the service shortlyo · Respondents to the Socio-Economic $urvey were agreed (60.8% with an additional 20o9% having no· opinion) that there was a general lack of knowledge of the services available by social welfare organizations. Particular problems indicated by the survey which may need to be examined further were young people who need counselling (80o2% with an additional 11.8% with no opinion) and 'latch-key' children (3lo5% with an · additional 8. 6% with no opinion).. ·· .. The topic of Social Services is difficult and complex, especially at a time when major changes are still occurring in the number zjid nature of service.s being provided.. Accordingly, the review of Social Services in the sub-region has not been completed yet and wil~ be included in the.Fi:r:ial Reporto

I I : . ! ;. ·.. I. i 48 16. OTHER BASIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES The adequacy of facilities and services like electricity, gas, water supply and sewerage is important to development of the Bendigo sub-region. Electricity. · The Bendigo sub-region like the rest of Victoria, is provided with electricity by the State Electricity Commission (SoE.C). Tariffs for electricity supply are uniform throughout Victoria but the Victorian Department of State Development and Decentralization can provide for payment of .certain power extension costs incurred in establishing or expanding Approved Decentralized Secondary Industries. This can be a distinct incentive to industrial development in country centres. The supply of .electricity into the sub-region is adequate and no problems are anticipated in continuing to meet the expanding needs of the area to the end of the 1986 projection periodo However, although it is by :b.o means an issue confined to the Bendigo sub-region, the :vrovision of eiectricity to scattered farmlet developments is very costly and inefficient compared to extending services to more concentrated development. Gaso - The Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria provides natural . gas and liquefied petroleum gas to the sub-region with tariffs at the same level as Melbourne. Natural gas is being provided through a reti.culation system to about 8,000 customers in the B~ndigo hrban area. . The intention is to provide natural gas to all potential consumers in the area and about 800 customers are being added to the system yearlyo The cost of natural gas ~s competitive with other fuels •

. Liquefied petroleUm. gas (L.P.G.) is being use~ in areas where reticulated gas is not available. Despite recent increases, t,he cost of L.P.Go is competitive with other fuels. No problem is anticipated in meeting the gas and.fuel needs of customers in the sub-region. Water Suppl:y. The water supply for the Bendigo sub-region is drawn from the Coliban system. Water quality in the area is monitored constantly by the State Rivers and Water Supply· Commis.sion to meet World Health Organization standards. · Some concern has been expressed in the Bendigo urban area ·about water quality and pressure. Problems such as · algae growth in treated water and sedimentation in the reticulation system are foreseeno The Coliban Water Investigation Committee has indicated that a Iiew treatment plant is desirable, but, unless it can be established that this is the only method by which the water quality can be improved, the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (S.R. & w.s.c.) is unlikely to install· one. The estimated construction cost of such a facility would be about $5 million with .a $250,000 annual maintenance cost. The cost to each ratepayer would be about $21 each year. At present the main problems in the urban area as observed by the municipalities include: · (a) variations in pressure during periods of high water use in Bendigo City; (b) unsatisfactory pressure, especially in the area around Stone Street and California Gully, in the adjacent areas in Marong Shire and in Strathfieldsaye township; (c) water pollution exceeding satisfactory standards in Strathfieldsaye; (d) lack of maintenance and aging of water mains; and (e) quality of supply pipes on private property. In the past year a large number of water mains have burst and the SoR. & W.S.C. has a programme for replacement of mains as the need arises. As :atl incentive to industry, the·S.R. & WoS.C. allows a lCY'fe reb.ate to all tnanuf~cturing or processing industries for all consumption in excess of lol million gallons per year. This policy, m~. need. to be evaluated in the future if P.otential water use cortflicts becdme a reality. .

. To. serve additional population the S.R. & W S.o C~ is considering constructing water storages at Sedgewick and Big Hill on a higher level than existing storages. Similarly, it may also be necessary to install tanks and pumps in the Kangaroo F.lat area. The water supply system for Bendigo appears adequate to serve.development at current growth rates but improvements to the reticulation system are needed to rectify water quality, · pressure and pipe bursting problems. ·Sewerageo Sewage in the Bendigo urban area is collected and treated by the Bendigo Sewerage Authority which serves the .City of Bendigo and parts of the Shires of Strathfieldsaye and Marong and the Borough of Eaglehawk (see Figure 14). The sewage treatment facility consists of sedimentation tanks and sludge digestion tanks. Effluent disposal is by lagoons and surface land treatmento Virtually all of the intensively developed land in the Bendigo urban area is sewered with only about 30 properties being unsewered. · · · Sewerage rates are much less than in Melbourne with the rate on sewered properties in 1973/74 being 3.2 cents per dollar of valuation with a minimum rate of $10 on buildings and $8 on land~ Although the sewerage system is overloaded to some degree, eXtensions nearing completion including, duplication of ~he mairi trun.k sewer.from Bendigo City to the treatment S.we

Trunk Approximate limits of sewered area, under Bendigo Sewerage Authority. Areas for which sewerage provision is programmed over the next 20 years. Local Government Boundaries

SEWERAGE SYSTEM Bendigo Urban Area ~1000~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig. 14 50 works at Huntly, and provision of additional sedimentation tanks, sludge digestion tanks and effluent lagoonsj are expected to make the system adequate to serve a population increase of 5C°tbo One of the important implications of cont1nuing to develop relatively flat land beyond the built•up area of Bendigo is that exteµsion of sewerage to such land is costlyo An example is the extension of tne trunk line to serve outlying development in the Shire of Hurltlyo The cost of connection to residences (about $600) is higher than connections in the centre of the Cityo Connections in the Kangaroo Flat area in Strathfieldsa;re Shire are also disproportionately higho Connection tofarmlets, "five acre" developments and small businesses on the peripher;y; of the built~up area or beyond at $2,000 or more is very costly~ mainly because of the greater pipe lengths required.

Draina~ea ·. here are a number of drainage problem areas within the sub-region • .Most can be.traced back to the creek system which meanders through the sub-region. . .. Figure 15 details area.s of concern withiri the urban areao They iriclude:

·.(a) the north easterh p~t of the urbah area, including Epsom and the bordet areas 6f Huntly and Strathfieldsaye Shires. . . Racecourse and Back Creeks flow through these areas and cause periodic floodingo . . . River improvement works have proved insufficient to cope with increased run-off from new urban development locally, and.stream water coming from the City of Bendigo which enters the area via the Midland Highwayo (b) the o.lder urban areas have drainage problems caused by lack of easements or inadequate provision for surface run-off o .Many recreation areas have very little or in~dequate drainageo · . (c) steep areas of Golden Square are subject to foooding due to. a lack of underground drainage. · (d) A number of similar problems exist at Eaglehawk and 1'1arong, which could be improved by the formation of a Drainage Trust to cover the entire urban area~ ~ Sheet Flooding 0 Localised Problems Local Government Boundaries

DRAINAGE PROBLEM AREAS Bendigo Urban Area L..[L{l1000~ Studies of the Central Highlands & Loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig 15 l?. ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS 51 (i) Bendigo when compared with Ballarat appears to have much less of a predominant focal role within its surrounding region. This is, partly because it.has a smaller absolute population, has a much lower proportion of its region's population and is located in a geographically larger regiono But it also reflects the Ballarat sub-region's closer proximity and its position within the radial transport and communication network serving the Melbourne and Geelong centreso Much of the activity in the Central Highlands Region and beyond necessarily passes to or through Ballarat. This is not so for the Loddon-Campaspe Region and Bendigoo Ballarat is much more of an industrial centre and, capitalizing on its natural location astride important interstate road and rail links, it has and will continue to have a considerably different function from the more tertiary oriented Bendigo. This is not to play down Bendigo's important complementary industrial function or Ballarat's important retail service function for a large surrounding area. · Another consideration is that the restructuring of Bendigo's workforce and its economic base wi~h the demise of gold mining has been slow when compared with Ballarat o Bendigo '.s economy is generally less stable than Ballarat 1 so Certainly, there are similarities which Ballarat and Bendigo have as sister provincial centres - and these need to be recognized in framing and implementing policies and programmes regarding their continued development. But their basic differences also need to be carefully considered, especially within the context of their role in an evolving comprehensive State-wide development programmeo · (ii) It is evident that although the Bendigo sub-region could a.ccommodate a much larger population, 1:;he area can be expected to grow ver-y slowly during the projected 1975 - 1986 period if current trends continueo A worsening of economic conditions extended oyer time, could lead to a stabilizing or even a loss of populationo For example, if the economy of the Loddon-Campaspe Region were such that the rural areas could not support the services provided by Bendigo there would be a significant decline in the availability of jobs in the tertiary sectoro The Australian Bureau of Agricultural Economics has recently predicted such a decline in the rural economyo If it comes about, the implications for Bendigo would be considerablyo · Growth trends for the Bendigo urban area over the period 1961 - 1971 are shown at Figure 16. (iii) The sub-region can expect to be affected by the significant financial pressures now being experienced by the National and State Governmentso These could seriously affect the ability of governments to meet the growing demands for more and better facilities and services ranging from improvements to schools and roads to increased employment and social assistance programmeso BENDIGO SUB-REGION 1961 - 49547 1966 - 51550 . 1971 54248 Cha e 1961 - 1971 4601

6100 6488 6905 805

,·

rll'I Genernal Extent. of Urban· Boundary .1971 Local Government Boundaries

GROWTH TRENDS Bendigo Urban Area LD-f--i1000~ Studies of the Central Highlands & loddon - Campaspe Regions Fig. 16 L (iv) It should also. be recognized that the future of the _Bendigo sub-region is dependent very much upon the policies and programmes of the Australian and Victorian Governments. For example, the area could have a major population increase if immigration policies provided for many more i.rrimigrants and with a substantial share of · them directed or induced to provincial areas. Similarly, a ·major population gain would be possible if policies and programmes regarding the distribution of additional population and industrial growth in Victoria were less oriented towards peripheral and outlying la.nds in the· metropolitan area, including the Melton and Sunbury satellite city proposals.. Another factor bearing on future growth prospects for the sub-region results from the commitment of the National and State Governments to development of a growth centre at Albury/Wodonga (a decision to develop Geelong similarly woulQ. have further implications)o Such policies have funding as well as population implications for.places like Bendigoo

' . CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AND LOD:OON-CAMPASPE REGIONAL STUDIES

DISCUSSION PAPER ON FUTURE POLICIES

J 11

SEPTEMBER 1975 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AND LODDON-CA1'1PASPE REGIONAL STUDIES DISCUSSION PAPER ON FUTURE POLICIES The Central Highlands and Loddon-Campaspe Regional Studies have noted the lack of a clear, consistent and co-ordinated approach by the Australian, Victorian and Local Governments to current and .fut~e development of the two regionso Chapter Two of the Interim Reports contains an overview Qf the information which has been assembled so far in the. ~tudies relating to the Ballarat and Bendigo sub-regionso Further information is to be collected on these sub-regions ~d for the remainder of each regiono The Final Reports are to contain an analysis, at the regional level, of all the assembled informationo An assessment will be made of the need for changes .to existing government policies in the regions in order to provide a basis for recommending new policieso The purpose of this paper is to provoke reaction to the matters discussed in Parts A and B to ensure the formulation of practical, comprehensive and acceptable conclusions and recommendations in the final analysis. The two parts are: A. The need for future policies; and Bo Possible alternative future policieso

PART A: THE NEED FOR FUTURE POLICIES Introduction If such key problems as housing and unemployment are set aside, then the Socio-Economic Surveys conducted in the Ballarat and Bendigo urban areas found that residents are reasonably satisfied with the quality of life in their citieso rt· is possible, however, that attitudes could have been different if respondents had been more aware of the improve­ ments that could be made with an overall government development policy which would provide guidance to private enterpriseo The need for an.overall policy, which broadly could be described as providing a co-ordinated and planned approach to development, will be illustrated through a discussion of the existing and future situation in the regions to 19860 The Ballarat and Bendigo sub-regions are largely used as the basis for the discussion due to the initial focus of the studieso · Population Growth

Growth i~ percentage terms in the two urban areas was quite low compared with other provincial centres in Victoria between 1947 and 1966 as the following table showso I l 2o - 66

Urban Area ~ Increase . ~opulation 947 - 66 • Gee long 105,059 101080 Ballarat · 56,290 32043 Bendigo 42,208 2?o45 Moe/Morwell/Yallourn 39,808 133052 $hepparton 17,506 120.96 Warrnambool 17,499 ?5oll Wangaratta 15,175 127.51 .i:rraralgon 14,079 160.92 Wodonga 13,251 177098 Mildura· 12,931 35.73 Horsham 10,562 69032 Hamilton 10,054 40003 Sources: 1. Population and Australia ~ A Demographic Analysis and Projection - First Report of the National Population Inquiry. (The Borrie Report). 2. 1966 Population Censuso Ballarat continued its comparatively low trend 'Until mid 1972 and then it improved slightly until late 1974e Bendigo improved its position relative to Ballarat between 1966 and 1974 but the population growth of both urban areas has now fallen below the 1947 - 66 trend. The 1976 population· Census is likely to show that the net effect has been a continuance of the 1947 - 66 trend. The studies have concluded that, if the current economic .situation continues, it will be difficult .even to maintain this trend to 1986. With municipalities actively competing for the limited· growth anticipated, there is a distinct need to introduce a co-ordinated programme and. provide for the best use of scarce human and financial resources. Economic Situation Depopulation of the rural areas in each region is gathering momentum due to the decline in the rural economy and considerable changes in the regions' rural industry are expected before 1986. Economic circumstances are likely to be such that the trend towards larger farm units will continue. The net effect is likely to be a smaller rural population requiring service from the urban centres ih the regions. There are implications for the smaller urban centres in the regions which have a purely service function since economies of scale can be achieved if niral industry is serviced by.larger centres. A regional policy would recognize these trends and· provide for them in such a wa:y that the associated harmful affects would be minimised. ------

Provided the manufacturing sector at the national level continues to grow, and there are indications that it may not, Ballarat and Bendigo are likely to attract secondary industry. Prospects for Ballarat are better than Bendigo due to its location astride the interstate road and rail link. The completion Of the dual carriageway on the Western Highway from Melbourne is likely to improve this position further. Both cities are likely to continue to attract some secondary i~dustry because of their established facilities, stable wprkforce and lower establishment costs. Both suffer the disadvantage that operating costs are higher for secondary industry in non-metropolitan areas. This was a major ~actor which contributed to the decline of both cities'secondary sector workforces between 1961 - 71. Other factors included increasing automation and efficiency and higher labour costs. Restructuring of the secondary sector will continue but losses.can be offset by determined government action as illustrated by the efforts of the Department of State Development and Decentralization between 1972 - 74. However, recent events have identified the need to examine the basis for past decisions and actions. The most appropriate industries for provincial centres are those in the growth phase of their development with good prospects for economic viability in the long term. Less stable industries prove more vulnerable during downturns in the economic cycleo The problems which arose recently in the clothing and textile industry in Ballarat and Bendigo illustrate this point in part. These·were also partly caused by tariff decisions where the ramifications for provincial centre industries had not been fully assessed. A regional policy would identify appropriate secondary industries to establish in the regions. The tertiary sector of the workforce was the only sector to grow between 1961 - 71 in the two sub-regions but even this growth (Ballarat 17.7'~ and Bendigo 23.5%) was well below the state (35.696) and national (40.9%) averages. The main restraining influence was the economic performance of the balance of each region. The service industry is a major component of the. tertiary sector. A reduced need for service in the rural areas, coupled with increasing efficiency, is likely to continue to restrain growth in the service industries, and hence the tertiary sector. The possibilities for relocating other tertiary industry other than government and the service group to provincial centres has some potential. The most significant contribution to growth is likely to come from government. It already has a substantial role in the Bendigo workforce, where it is the largest employer. Present trends indicate that the population of both cities could have stabilised by 1986, where in~migration approximates to out-migration. A regional policy could ensure that living standards are at least maintained by stimulating the economy where it would be of the greatest benefit. In Ballarat and Bendigo the main emphasis would have to be towards attracting tertiary industry. Future Growth In any discussion of future circumstances consideration must be given to the feasibility of attracting and accommod­ ating additional growth. In view of the moderate economic performance in the two centres in recent years, and the outlook, a substantial contribution would be required from • government to achieve significant growtho The Socio-Economic Survey did not indicate that there was a decisive body of opinion in favour of significant population growth in either city. Respondents only marginally favoured growth in Ballarat (45o7°fe, while 38.3% desired the population to remain the same), and the margin was only moderately larger in Bendigo (5506%, with 30.5% for the same). A broad conclusion reached by the studies has been that a major concern of the residents of Ballarat and Bendigo is to improve living standards and that, if _possible, this should be achieved whilst broadly retaining the existing environment in each city. The studies have indicated that the natural and man-made physical environments of the two sub­ regions do not present major impediments to continued growth and development. It should be possible if a co-ordinated policy were adopted, to provide the basic services for new housing developments, together with health, education and recreation facilities, ahead of residentso At the National level neither Ballarat nor Bendigo (or for that matter, the Central Highlands or Loddon - C~paspe Regions) have any status with regard to growth programmes. The Australian Government's growth centre policies and programmes are currently being re-examined in light of the recent national population projectionso In the Final Report, assumptions will be made about the implications of possible adjustments to these policies and programmes. Assumptions also need to be made regarding the extent to which Australia's inunigration policies are likely to change in the future. A significant increase in migrant numbers, coupled with a policy of settling them in provincial centres, similar to the Canadian situation, could have implications for the two regions. At the State level, unless current growth commitments undergo radical changes, there is likely to be minimal growth occurring outside Albury/Wodonga and Geelong, and the Melbourne Metropolitan Area (its satellite cities, preferred development areas and other urban zonings). Despite these situations, municipalities in the two regions continue to anticipate major economic and population growth with considerable assistance from both the Australian and Victorian Governmentso The eXpectancies that many commllnities possess with regard to such growth seem to be based on the belief that substantial growth in itself is the only basis for progresso In the final analysis, whatever circumstances prevail, it should be remembered that some growth in the Ballarat and Bendigo sub-regions, and the regions in which they are placed, is both inevitable and desirable. The majority of the wide array of individual policies being applied in the regions express beneficial and constructive objectives~ However, when they are considered in total, there appear to be instances of confusion, overlap, duplication and even conflict. Continuance of this situation is wasteful in terms of the physical and financial effort expended in accordance with these policies, and detrimental to the attain­ ~ent of an appropriate quality of life for people living in the regions. Accordingly, decisions need to be made regarding the proportion.· of State growth to be accommodated by the two regions in future, the means by which this may take·place and where such growth should occuro Agreement upon such a policy would eliminate present misconceptions and .enable government at all levels to approach future growth in the two regions co-operatively.

PART B: . POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE FUTURE POLICIES A fundamental objective of the studies is to provide a basis for advising government at all levels (i.e. Local, State and National) and authorities within the regions, on appropriate policies to apply in the regionso The Final Report of the studies, therefore, needs to contain reference to the following: (a) The preparation of development policies appropr1ate to .the two regions; · · · (b) ·The means of implementing these policies; and (c) The identification of matters requiring further study to enable these policies to be fully detailedo Regional Development Policies It is possible to postulate many aims for a regional development policyo From the analysis undertaken so far, the following aims could be applicable to.the Central Highlands and Loddon-Campaspe Regions: (a) Enhancement of the quality of life of.residents through planned and co-ordinated development; I (b) Encouragement of suitable existing and new private enterprise activity; (c) A gradual restructuring of therural sector of the economy in order to minimise the socio-economic effects of rural decline; (d) The improvement of government services 1ncluding the relocation into the region of at least those services which are of direct administrative relevance; and (e) The conservation and sound management of natural resourceso To achieve such aims government needs to establish the following: (a) An objective overview and understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the regions for the location of private and government activities and the region's capabilities to meet present and anticipated future needs.. .An objective approach is very important to ensure that unrealistic development goals are not set and scarce financial.resources wasted .. · These studies are intended to provide such an overview; (b) The preparation of an overall policy covering current and future development in the regions~ The policy should place such development in a National, State, Regional and Local context and establish inter- · relationships.. It would involve identifying and deciding upon the overall objectives which the policy would seek to satisfy; the degree of government · involvement required to implement the policy; the general physical, social and economic parameters bearing on the policy; the development option which the policy would be directed towards; · (c) A means of implementing the policy; and. (d) General agreement to the policy from the regions and all levels of government.. · Alternative Development Strategies . Apart from a continuation of the current ad hoc approach to development (which in itself may be regarded as a strategy), the following could be considered as alternative development strategies: (a) Concentrated - development directed to.wards Ballarat and Bendigo, which would then become growth centres within.their regions; · (b) Semi-concentrated - · development .channelled into . the larger urban centres (Ballarat, Bendigo, Ararat, Castlemaine, Echuca, Maryborough, etc); (c) Dispersed development distributed throughout both regions; (d) Selective development distributed to selected areas where the greatest benefit for the region can be obtained; and (e) New Towri.s - development channelled into new settlements .. Policy Implementation If it were decided to introduce a broad 4evelopment policy for the two regions some means of implementation would have to be devised .. The responsibility for implement­ ation could possibly be given to either Local or State Government.. Alternatively, this responsibility could be shared .. In either case, assistance could be pl;'ovided·by the Australian Government.. ·

L__ ·_. i 7 A :further alternative would be to establish one or more regional organizations to implement the policyo It m~ be necessary for the functions of some, or all, of the existing regional organizations (both state and national) to be absorbedo These organizations have not been mentioned in this paper~ Since the introduction by the Australian and Victorian Governments of regional policies and programmes, a P,umber of regional organizations have been ·established under the auspices of each Governmento They include the Regional Organizations of Councils, the Regional Councils for Social Development, the Regional Planning Authority, and the Regional Tourist Authoritieso Development Committees covering the Ballarat and Bendigo sub-regions also existo The establishment of additional. regional.organizations is being considered in such areas as education, health, transport, conservation and environment, recreation, etco The existence of such a broad array of regional organizations, some nationally inspired, some state inspired, having different functions and relating to different areas, has been a constant source of concern and confusion to local councils and residentso The roles and responsibilities of these organizations are poorly understood and appreciatedo There are even allegations of overlap· and duplication with local government functions. The studies are examining the functions of the regional organizations due to the influence • which they may have on a regional policyo · The Victorian Government's regional boundaries have been adopted as the basis for data collection and analysis in these. studies o The Australian.Government's boundaries for the two regions differ only slightly - for its purposes Bacchus I1arsh and Gisborne Shires are included in metropolitan regions and not the Central Highlands and Loddon-Campaspe Regions respectivelyo Further Study The Central Highlands and Loddon-Campaspe Regional Studies were never intendetl to provide all· the information which would be needed to establish a development policy or its means of implementation for each regiono At the completion of these studies it .is proposed that areas.for further study will be identifiedo At this time the following are considered to comprise possible topics for additional stUdy: (a) Sewerage and Waste Disposal (solid .and liquid); (b) Capacity of existing urban area in Ballarat and Bendigo to accept additional development; (c) Use and sub-division of rural land; (d) Restructuring of rural industry; (e) New employment opportunities in secondary and tertiary industry; · (f) Function and responsibilities of regional organizations; (g) Further study of water resource3 and drainage in the Loddon-Ca.mpaspe Region; (h) Release and use of Crown land; (i) Housing availability and needo

9923175-123 C.H. Rixon, Government Printer, Melbourne