Abstract

Selection of suitable areas for urban development is a complex process and needs many diverse indications on the basis of which decision may be assumed. The aim of this study is to examine the GIS-based land-use suitability analysis and its application in urban planning decision making, using Bendigo, a regional city in Victoria as a case study.  The objective of this study is to provide evidence-based solutions to urban growth management issues in regional Victoria. Bendigo is a major regional municipality of Victoria, including Bendigo city and surrounding rural hinterland, with six smaller townships scattered across the region. Greater Bendigo boasts of large areas of national parks, reserves and bushland, as well as agriculture land, which is the major land use of the area. This region has been earmarked by the Victorian Government’s Initiative Urban Development Plan for future development as one of Victoria’s regional centres for increased development and new homes. Geophysical, socio-economic and cultural data are used to assess future urban growth suitability in Bendigo based on key goals such as Connected and Compact City (transport and connectivity), City of Equality (education, health services), Ecological City (environmental conservation), and Safe City (risk of disasters). The resultant suitability map indicates primary suitable lands for future urban growth are located adjacent to the established urban areas. Reflecting the current urban development in Bendigo, the paper concludes with several recommendations aimed at improving the long-term urban development plans for the Greater Bendigo area.

Key words: Land use, suitability analysis, Victoria, Bendigo