How will the BREP manage its interface with rural properties and Marong Township?

The interface between BREP and rural properties will be managed at the development plan and permit stage via the Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines 2024.

The Guidelines recommend the use of landscape buffers or increased setbacks to carefully manage this sensitive interface. The Guidelines formed part of scheme amendment c982 to the City of Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme. The amendment is currently with the Minister of Planning for final approval.

The development plan overlay schedule sets rules for how development needs to treat these sensitive edges by showing public open space landscaping, including landscaping of roads, streets, walking and cycling tracks, waterways and retarding basins will be planned to create landscape and habitat corridors to transition to the rural setting. At the Marong Township interface, permit applications must demonstrate that their proposals include appropriate amenity buffers to sensitive uses, e.g. residential uses and open space adjacent to a residential zone, in accordance with EPA guidelines.