About the Project

The Ironbark forests and geological features within the hills surrounding Bendigo are a highly valued and unique aspect of it’s landscape setting.

The City of Greater Bendigo has recently commenced a Landscape Assessment project, focussing on the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley areas.  Working with the community, the project will examine the character and significance of these landscapes, and consider how they might be affected by future change.  Guidance for development will be prepared to assist in managing and protecting those aspects of the landscapes that are highly valued into the future. 

The Landscape Assessment will: 

• Define and describe (with photos and maps) the visual landscape character of the Big Hill and Mandurang environs
• Determine which aspects of the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley landscapes, including views and vistas to and from the area, are the most significant and why
• Explore the community’s values of the character and significance of the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley landscapes
• Assess and evaluate various forms of development that have occurred in these areas; some of which will be positive, while others may have detracted from their character or significance 
• Identify a guiding vision for the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley landscapes
• Recommend ways in which the valued aspects of the landscapes can be managed and protected – either through local community and agency initiatives or revised policy guidance in the planning scheme