Council Charts Path Forward on Safety, Growth and Heritage

The City of Greater Bendigo Council is moving ahead with plans to phase out fireworks displays by 2032 and animal-based entertainment such as petting zoos by 2028, while exploring alternatives including drone light shows. These changes follow council motions and set the stage for resident input on new entertainment formats that reduce risks to people, domestic animals and wildlife.

Upcoming Community Consultation

Community consultation on alternative entertainment options is scheduled to begin shortly. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on safer community events, with the process designed to gather views on replacements that maintain public enjoyment without the previous concerns.

Managed Growth Strategy and Rate Cap

The council has released a draft Managed Growth Strategy that sets a target for an additional 87,000 residents in Greater Bendigo by mid-2056. This work occurs alongside efforts to manage budget constraints under a 3.5% rate cap without seeking a variation, requiring careful prioritisation of infrastructure and services over the coming decades.

Planning Scheme Amendment and Gallery Review

Planning Scheme Amendment C275gben has been adopted to protect miners' housing from the gold rush era. At the same time, the council is reviewing an updated application for the Bendigo Art Gallery expansion, which will shape future heritage and cultural development decisions.

Recent Ward Representation Change

Lockwood Ward was vacant from November 2025 until Donna Nicholas was elected councillor in the March 2026 by-election after John McIlrath resigned. The updated council composition will influence how these upcoming matters, including the entertainment transition and growth strategy, are progressed in the short term.

Key Decisions Ahead

Next steps centre on the community consultation process for entertainment alternatives and the ongoing review of the Bendigo Art Gallery application. The council will also continue work on the Managed Growth Strategy while operating within the rate cap framework, with further details to be released as consultation commences.