Bannockburn rezonings: Preparing to ‘boom’

By John Van Klaveren
BANNOCKBURN is rezoning tracts of land to accommodate new arrivals ahead of a forecast population boom, according to planning documents.
The documents show 18 lots bounded by High, Weston, Manifold and Bruce streets have been rezoned from farmland to residential one.
The documents said the rezoning was necessary to ensure sufficient land supply to meet forecast demand.
Planning strategies aimed to provide enough land for residential, commercial, retail, industrial and recreational uses, the documents said.
The rezoning would also ensure the provision of infrastructure to support sustainable urban development.
The expansion would accommodate projected population growth over at least a 15-year period.
A draft G21 regional growth plan said Golden Plains Shire will grow from 18,000 to 33,000, with Bannockburn swelling to 13,500.
“The land to be rezoned is connected to reticulated services such as sewer and water, is close to existing residential land and walking distance to the town centre,” the plan said.
“The town boundary for Bannockburn remains unchanged and is vital in ensuring development does not encroach into viable agricultural land.”
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Geraldine Frantz said Bannockburn had experienced an “unprecedented” level of population growth.
“Bannockburn is the shire’s largest and fastest growing population centre.” Cr Frantz said population growth was a key driver of community and economic prosperity.
Council had undertaken a detailed review of its urban design framework for the town, she said.
“It is imperative we continue to plan strategically to make sure there’s a focused approach to overcoming the challenges growth will bring to our region over the coming years and to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Key elements of planning included an expansion of Bannockburn Business Park as well as recreation and education precincts.