Council is currently developing the ISS as a major long term planning project that will guide how and where the Shire grows over the next 15-20 years.
This work is being informed by detailed analysis of projected population change, housing demand and supply, township character and capacity, and other important factors.
Indigo Mayor Sophie Price said the ISS is a key piece of the growth picture.
“Indigo Shire continues to experience steady and sustainable growth, supported by strong interest from people choosing to live, work and invest in our region,” Ms Price said.
“While development levels have remained consistent over the past year, we are planning carefully for the future through the Indigo Settlement Strategy.
“This work will help us understand where growth should occur, what infrastructure is needed, and how we can protect the character and liveability of our towns as our communities evolve.”
The ISS will identify which towns are best placed to accommodate future growth, what type of development is appropriate, and what infrastructure will be required to support it.
This includes close consideration of Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Beechworth, Yackandandah and their smaller townships.
At this stage, data doesn’t show a spike in residential development over the past 12 months, but rather a continuation of the growth pattern that has developed across the region over the last few years.
According to Indigo Shire approximately 80 new dwellings and 50 major dwelling extensions annually have contributed to that growth.
A spokesperson for the Shire said this level of activity has remained consistent, rather than increasing sharply in the past year, and they are continuing to receive strong interest from developers, particularly in the western part of the Shire, including Rutherglen and Wahgunyah.
For more information about the Indigo Shire Council’s Settlement Strategy go to https://engage.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/indigo-shire-settlement-strategy.
