Thank you for your interest in the strategy, which will provide a framework for how Greater Bendigo should grow to accommodate around an additional 80,000 residents to 2050 based on continued current rate of growth. We asked for feedback on the Issues and Opportunities Paper in February 2022 and received 69 survey responses.

While many respondents already saw housing affordability as an issue, they saw it as an even bigger issue for future generations.

Environmental concerns in housing design were top of mind for respondents including ensuring that housing is energy efficient

• 72% single storey unit (more than one home on a block)
• 58% separate townhouse (2-3 storeys)
• 45% attached townhouse (2-3 storeys)
• 32% apartments of up to 3 storeys
• 17% apartments of 4 storeys or more

Some respondents felt apartment style housing was more associated with Melbourne than Bendigo and the issue of of stairs within townhouses was also raised, indicating the importance of providing single level accessible dwellings to enable residents the ability to downsize if they choose.

We will now begin working on the Draft Managed Growth Strategy. There will be another opportunity to have input once it has been drafted. Please follow the project to be kept up to date.