How does the precinct implement sustainability and climate resilient development outcomes?

The planning approach embeds sustainability through integrated water management and preserving high value ecological habitat. Green spaces and vegetation will play a key role in creating a climate-adaptive employment precinct:

• Integrated water management: New development must manage stormwater carefully, protect Dry Creek and use water efficiently
• Green buffers and habitat protection: Key ecological areas are preserved and strengthened through landscaping and tree planting to help cool the precinct.
• Climate-responsive design: More shade, vegetation and open spaces will improve comfort and resilience as the climate warms. The BREP also follows Ministerial Direction 22 (Environmentally Sustainable Development) and is guided by the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct – Sustainable Development Opportunities Report (HIP V. HYPE, March 2024), which identifies practical sustainability measures for future development.

The DPO schedule will require future development plans to include an Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Assessment which is to present opportunities or constraints for achieving sustainable design outcomes. These could include:

• Opportunities for renewable energy and battery energy storage systems at a precinct or lot scale.
• Opportunities for the subdivision and infrastructure to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and encourage renewable energy generation.
• Opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emission from the construction and ongoing operation of any buildings toward net zero.
• Encouraging greater tree canopy throughout the precinct.

In addition to the DPO requirements at the planning stage, all new industrial buildings must comply with current and future energy-efficiency standards under the Building Regulations. This includes meeting NCC requirements for building fabric and insulation, glazing performance, lighting efficiency and controls, and other measures that minimise operational energy demand.