The RACV has released results of its My Country Road survey with more than 7000 Victorians providing valuable input shining a light on the condition of regional roads state-wide.

The most dangerous intersection in regional Victoria was identified as the junction of the Midland Highway and Howard Street in Epsom, north of Bendigo.

And the Tylden-Woodend Road from Woodend to Tylden, used by many locals travelling to Melbourne, received the second highest number of complaints across the state.

Poor road conditions and pot holes rated among the top issues of concern with 64 per cent of participants identifying them as the primary safety issue, up from 46 per cent in 2021.

Potholes are a major safety risk for drivers as they try and avoid damaging their vehicles. Swerving to avoid a pothole at the last moment is dangerous as drivers may lose control of their vehicles or swerve into oncoming traffic.

Other roads that generated substantial concern were Kilmore Road from Monegeetta to Gisborne, and the Goulburn Valley Highway from Nagambie to Shepparton.

Overall, 14 per cent of participants supported ‘a lower or more appropriate speed limit’ as a measure to improve road safety.

That response rose to 56 per cent on the top 12 worst roads, highlighting that many Victorians believe reducing the speed on highly dangerous roads is an appropriate approach.

The RACV will use the data from the survey to encourage the state government and local councils to make commitments that deliver safer regional roads.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said the data from the survey indicated that the condition of regional roads has become a major safety concern for Victorians.

“Over 7,000 Victorians have provided us with data about safety on our regional roads, with potholes or poor road condition being the number one safety issue,” Mr Williams said.

“As a safety advocate, it’s important that RACV closely examines what Victorians think are the factors contributing to unsafe road conditions, so we can provide that information to all levels of government and encourage action.”

During the 2019-20 bushfire season North West Region avoided significant fires, but CFA members observed increased anxiety in sections of the Greater Bendigo community particularly those who had recently settled here from overseas.

Bendigo is home to more than 4,000 Karen residents, more than 300 Afghan Hazara, and increasing numbers of South Sudanese community members.

Bendigo is surrounded by bushland with an extreme fire risk and a high risk of flooding. CFA members realised that these new community members didn’t understand the natural risks they faced and didn’t know how to access the most appropriate help when needed.

A lack of understanding of how emergency services work in Victoria contributed to this dilemma.

With a strong connection to community, Bendigo Health Services partnered with CFA, VICSES and the City of Greater Bendigo to develop a program to boost the community’s understanding about bushfire, flood and heat health, and where to find information about these risks.

Crucial to the success of the program was the decision to recruit local, trusted members of the communities as ‘community champions’ to help deliver the key messages.

CFA members, along with other program coordinators, gave education and training to these champions so they could help deliver the messaging. This program truly put the community at the centre of everything we do.

CFA’s District 2 community safety presenters and community champions delivered the fire component in the field, and the champions provided continued support to their communities after the face-to-face sessions.

The champions were invaluable because of their insight into the best ways to engage the various communities.

The community safety presenters are enthusiastic about the program and they can see real results.

“I’ve worked with several Karen groups made up of all ages from toddlers to the elderly,” presenter Lin Quarrier said.

“I’ve found the secondary school age kids so supportive and respectful of their families.

They helped to install the VicEmergency app on their parent’s phones and contributed to the session well.”

Words & Image: CFA

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show took place in Bendigo over the  weekend of July 20. It is the largest event of its type in the world showcasing  the mighty Australian sheep.  

Over three days, thousands of people braved chilly weather to experience what the  industry has to offer from food, fashion and fibre to everything in between.

Spread  across the Bendigo Showgrounds, visitors could watch sheep dog trials, weaving and  yarn spinning displays, fleece judging and sample a diverse range of arts and lifestyle  inspired by the wool industry.  

The event attracts craftspeople from everywhere including Ian McColl of OxArt  Pottery, Taradale. Ian or ‘Ox’ to his friends has made objects out of clay for as long as  he can remember and once shown how to use the pottery wheel he was hooked on a  lifelong journey.  

OxArt produces a wide variety of pottery products designed to be used on a daily  basis including mugs, plates, platters, teapots and yarn bowls.  

Popular with weavers everywhere, yarn bowls are, for the benefit of the ignorant,  soup bowl sized vessels with a curl cut into the side. The weaver’s yarn, placed inside,  is drawn through the slot smoothly and evenly.  

I guess you could put a lid on it too which would prevent cats from upsetting  things. But do weaving folk even let cats get near their work? Perhaps that’s a story for  another time.  

“The yarn bowls we have at this stand,” says Ian “were derived from a specific  request we got a good few years ago at a market. Someone asked if we made yarn  bowls.

“I said ‘I didn’t know’ because I didn’t know what they were, but from then on  I’ve been making a lot of them. That’s how I came to be taking part in this event. A  friend and fellow stall holder suggested that it would be really good for us to come  along because of our wool bowls.”

Together with his partner Leanne, Ian has been based in Taradale for the past four  years where they have a large studio, workshop and gallery. Originally a roadhouse  on the old Calder Highway, the couple have transformed the site into a nexus of  creativity.

“We were looking for a place somewhere around Central Victoria where we could  run a studio. We went past it and thought we should probably have a look at that  one. Three days later we bought it.  

“We’ve got three big electric kilns and a big gas kiln plus all of the equipment that  you need to run a proper gallery space and workshop. Besides our own work we have  a base for a variety of pottery classes and small school group workshops which we run  on a regular basis.”  

In recent years it would seem that there has been an enormous growth in the  popularity of handmade and unique craft objects including functional ceramics.

In  response, small businesses have emerged all over Victoria that specialise in creating  handmade bespoke items from clothing to homewares.

Events such as The Lost Trades Fair and the Australian Sheep and Wool Show  have shown great support for this growth and proven to be enormously popular  as people look to alternatives to cheap mass-produced product.

And Ian, who has  worked in the industry long enough to have seen its highs and lows, agrees.

“We’re really finding that people are wanting a connection to handmade, to hear  the story of how and where something is from. With my work people love to learn  about clay, what the glazes are and people are simply wanting to use hand-thrown  pottery again. It’s really lovely.”

Words & images: Tony Sawrey  

Glenlyon mum Claire Clifton could not be prouder of her son Jonathan Smith who took out first place in the Northern Shears Senior Competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo last weekend.

Jonathon, who plaits his substantial beard so he can see the sheep and stop them chewing on it while being shorn, also placed third in the Sports Shear Victorian State Final Senior Competition.

Claire said shearers were judged on speed and technique as well as gaining penalties for second cuts – short pieces of wool left on sheep to be shorn off – and any cuts on the sheep. The lowest point score wins.

“As an industry, farmers want as much wool staple as they can in the best possible quality to get best prices. Therefore, shearers need to be clean and accurate and with often many thousand sheep to get through, time is of the essence.”

Claire said Jonathon, who lives in Inverleigh with his wife and two children after growing up in Freshwater Creek, has had a lifelong passion for shearing, working mainly in the southern and central districts of Victoria with occasional sheds further north.

“Like many shearers, he continues to battle back injuries and after several nerve block procedures, is preparing for surgery in the coming months. Of course, he is adamant to fit in the surgery around his shearing competitions and shed work.”

Jonathon’s next major competition will be Royal Geelong Show in October.

Main image: Claire Clifton

The City of Greater Bendigo has launched its new 2024 Ignite program, including the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, the Bendigo Writers Festival, Bendigo on the Hop, a Winter Moonlight Market in Hargreaves Mall, and a wide range of gastronomy offerings to delight.

The Ignite program aims to tantalise the senses with 42 food and beverages experiences developed by some members from Bendigo Tourism and the Heathcote Tourism and Development Board.

The menus celebrate local producers who contribute to Greater Bendigo and the region’s enviable status as Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said the Ignite program was a winter haven to relish and indulge in memorable experiences.

“Immerse yourself in a series of delectable events and cosy experiences designed to warm you up,” Mr Karamaloudis said.

“A big thank you to the local tourism businesses who have developed a superb range of mouth-watering delights to shake off the winter chill and entertain residents and visitors.

“Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a rejuvenating solo retreat, Ignite has something for everyone. Bookings are open now.”

Ignite program

Ignite has a variety of experiences and entertainment for residents and visitors with major highlights:

July 19 to July 21: Australian Sheep and Wool Show
The epicentre of woollen fashion, fine food and beautiful fibre featuring the popular Festival of Lamb and Women of Wool and Wearable Art
 

July 20, 3pm to 8pm: Winter Moonlight Market in Hargreaves Mall
Featuring live music and art, speciality food trucks, street performers, a huge range of stalls from crafty creators, talented food producers, jewellery and much more
 

August 16 to 18: Bendigo Writers Festival
Packed program, including a Gastronomy theme that features a dinner at MacKenzie Hall with Australia’s favourite cook and author Julie Goodwin, The History of Oysters and Champagne on the Victorian Goldfields with Max Allen and Richard Cornish, Milk and Merino panel session with Matthew Evans and An Edible Weed Walk through Rosalind Park Gardens.

August 31: Bendigo on the Hop
A favourite winter craft beer festival held at venues across the city centre and at breweries. Enjoy rare beers, locally made craft beers, food and live entertainment. For their 10th year celebration, Bendigo on the Hop forms part of Bendigo Beer Week (August 28 to 31) with a series of celebratory events.
 

Bendigo Tourism and Heathcote Tourism and Development Board members have created mouth-watering offerings, experiences, and events to entertain and indulge. Please check availability with the operators involved.

• The Woodhouse Bar and Grill events: Rye Whiskey tasting July with The Gospel, a winter special menu in August, and The Taste of Italy in regional Victoria
• Nimbus Rooftop Bar provides spiced Mulled Wine and a Winter Boozy lunch on Saturdays and Sundays in a cosy setting to warm the heart
• PepperGreen Farm has roasting marshmallows over the wood fire oven every Saturday and a fantastic range of produce to buy
• Beechworth Bakery has a selection of new winter goodies on the menu including golden veggie pie, Canadian date slice and salted caramel lattes
• Red Energy Arena has winter delights at its outdoor heated entertaining space at The Terrace serving a delicious winter menu
• Munari winery’s cosy cellar door evenings with exquisite wine and charcuterie boards to share. Live music every month
• Tellurian Winery is the perfect setting for Ms Batterhams winter pop up with a menu paired with beautiful wines
• Loddon with Turners Crossing Vineyard showcases amazing producers with a multi course winter dinner at Bridgewater Hotel
• Bendigo Community Farmers Market is a must (every second Saturday of the month), Talbot Market is every third Sunday of the month
• Killiecrankie Wine and Cocktail night at Nimbus Rooftop Bar with crafted wine cocktails, live music from Josh DeAraugo, wine trivia with prizes
• Balgownie Estate Bendigo presents a steak and shiraz night every Thursday evening through winter
• Mackenzie Quarters events: Bastille Day Eve Dinner, Fleece to Feast, Bootleggers and Barrels, Mountains to Vineyards
• The Dispensary events: Whiskey Experience, Bastille Day lunch and a Gin Experience
• St. Anne’s Winery events: Pop-up delicious Italian lunch and two-course dinner and a wonderful evening of music with a homage to Eagles’ songs
• Gin Maker Workshop at In Good Spirits at Domaine Asmara
• Indulge in local wines and treats at Star Cinema while you enjoy must-see movies during the Melbourne International Film Festival
• Cornella Canola Walk at Shiraz Republic and Cornella Brewery – a perfect day out for nature lovers and beverage enthusiasts
• Alium Dining events: Dining in the Dark for a unique blindfolded experience and Truffle Degustation dinner paired with selected wines and spirits
• Vin Du Van Estate with Masons Slovenian style Sunday lunches with wine tasting and a specially prepared lunch from Masons of Bendigo chef and owner Sonia Anthony                              

Police detected 165 offences during a major road safety operation across Victoria’s west last month.

Operation West Connect saw highway patrol units enforcing across major arterials in Western Victoria targeting high-risk driving behaviour associated with road trauma.

It comes as 141 lives have been lost on the state’s roads so far this year, with 35 of those occurring on roads in Western Victoria.

Bendigo, Campaspe and the Macedon Ranges division has been the worst affected area in the state’s west with 10 lives lost this year, followed by the Ballarat and Moorabool division with a further nine lives lost.

There have been six fatalities in the Horsham/Northern Grampians division, four fatalities in both the Geelong/Surf Coast and the Mildura/Swan Hill divisions, and two fatalities in the Warrnambool/Southern Grampians division.

There were three fatal collisions on roads in Western Victoria in June, and a further six during the previous month in May – three of which were motorcyclists.

Operation West Connect is an ongoing operation focused on detecting speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

Sixty per cent of offences detected in June were for speeding, with two thirds of speeding drivers detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.

Police conducted 338 preliminary breath tests and 50 preliminary oral fluid tests for drugs, detecting three drug driving offences and two drink driving offences.

The total 165 offences detected during Operation West Connect on Friday 28 June 2024 included:

• 100 speeding offences;

• 20 unregistered vehicles;

• Eight disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers;

• Four heavy vehicle offences;

• Three drug driving offences from 50 roadside drug tests;

• Two drink driving offences from 338 preliminary breath tests;

• Two mobile phone offences;

• Two seatbelt offences;

• One vehicle impoundment; and

• One disobey traffic signal

Operation West Connect will continue across Western Victoria – encompassing major arterial roads from Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo and Echuca as far west as the SA Border, and from the Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Portland as far north as the NSW Border.

Western Region Road Policing Inspector, Justine Ryan: “While road trauma is actually down on roads in Western Victoria compared to last year, 35 lives lost is still far too many, and we know first-hand the ripple effect this has across our communities.

“Operation West Connect is just one road policing initiative we’ve implemented to help keep all road users safe on roads out in the state’s west.

“Our highway patrol members are always actively on the look out for motorists who flout the rules and make dangerous choices that put all road users lives at risk.

“Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to serious injury and fatal collisions on regional roads, and yet we continue to catch so many people going over the speed limit.

“Slowing down and sticking to the speed limit, as well as avoiding distractions behind the wheel, are things we can all do to help make our roads safer and prevent further tragedies.”

The Greater Bendigo City Council has adopted a plan to guide the ongoing development, management and promotion of the O’Keefe Rail Trail at last week’s council meeting.

The 49 kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail, which runs from Bendigo to Heathcote, is one of Greater Bendigo’s primary nature-based attractions for both residents and visitors to the region for walking, cycling, trail running and horse riding in some sections. 
 
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the O’Keefe Rail Trail Plan 2024 outlines key actions to improve the way the rail trail is governed, managed, maintained, promoted, funded, activated and evaluated.

“The recommendations and content of the plan creates clarity with the City and the O’Keefe Rail Trail’s key stakeholders and reaffirms the City’s commitment to working with the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail group,” Cr Metcalf said.

“It ensures that a clear, proactive and planned approach is taken to the ongoing development and management of the trail to promote increased usage by both local residents and visitors alike.

“Significant infrastructure and investment to develop the O’Keefe Rail Trail into what it is today, has already taken place and the aim of the plan is to build on this to ensure that the trail can achieve its full potential as a sustainable recreational and tourist trail into the future.”

Key actions of the Plan include: 

• Improving amenities along the Rail Trail (toilets, drinking fountains, wayfinding signage and seating) 
• Improving safety along the Rail Trail (improved road crossings at high traffic areas, reviewing areas of shared use with motor vehicles)
• A greater emphasis on supporting biodiversity values along the trail
• Ongoing management including detailing how the City will manage and maintain the Rail Trail along with confirming a commitment to continued working with the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) 
• Ongoing marketing and promotion of the Rail Trail 
• Defining level of infrastructure and maintenance service standards to help clearly define the expectations for the Rail Trail.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s new cat containment policy came into effect as of yesterday, July 1.

From now cat owners must contain cats to their property 24 hours a day.

City of Greater Bendigo Local Laws and Animal Services Coordinator Sam Johnston said for many years Greater Bendigo has had an order in place that required cats to be securely confined to their owner’s property from sunset to sunrise.

“From July 1 this will change to 24 hour per day confinement following the adoption of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 in November 2021,” Mr Johnston said.

“While the City understands the new 24-hour cat containment will be a significant change for some cats and their owners there are also many benefits.

“Cat containment reduces the risk of cats suffering traumatic injuries from cars and other animals, contracting common cat diseases such as cat flu, ringworm and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, accidental poisoning by toxic plants and pesticides, snake and spider bites and getting lost and being exposed to extreme weather.

“Just like dogs, cats can still go outside, as long as they remain on your property. 

“They can also leave your property if they are under effective control in a securely fitted harness, in a cat carrier, or on a leash.”

The City of Greater Bendigo has given the green light to a revised Industrial Land Development Strategy at its council meeting held last week.

The original Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy and Background Report were adopted by the council in June 2020.

The strategic framework and roadmap identified a 30-year pipeline of future industrial land to meet industry needs, reduce land use conflicts and to plan for the future of Greater Bendigo’s industrial precincts. 

While it identified criteria for future industrial land supply, it did not go as far as identifying a site for additional industrial land supply.

Since its adoption, the city has completed further detailed investigations and identified a 294-hectare site to the south of the Marong township for a future employment precinct to meet long term industry needs. 

This site is now known as Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP) and the revised strategy mainly includes details of the BREP together with other minor changes.

Further investigation relating to the ultimate land use for the entire proposed BREP area is being considered by the Victorian Planning Authority. 

The preparation of Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben proposes to partially implement the Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy by making changes to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme. 

Last week’s council meeting also approved the next steps for a draft Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines 2024 which replaces the Good Design Guide for Industry guidelines.

A public exhibition on the draft guidelines 2024 is likely to be undertaken as part of the exhibition process for Amendment C282gben.

Other changes are proposed to the Industrial Land Development Strategy to ensure the strategy reflects the current state of industrial land supply in the municipality, including updating statistics and references to recent strategic work undertaken.

Police on Sunday issued an appeal for public assistance to help locate missing man Max who was last seen in Bendigo.

The 30-year-old was last seen on Barnard Street in Bendigo on 21 June.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.

Max is known to frequent the Bendigo area.

It is believed Max may be travelling in a 1996 Red Toyota Camry, with registration 1US4TU.

Officers have released an image of Max (above) in the hope that someone can provide information on his current whereabouts.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Bendigo Police Station on 03 5448 1300.

Talented young creatives have recently been recognised at the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2024 RAW Arts Awards at a special presentation held last night at The Capital with the Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf.

The RAW Awards showcase and foster the talents and artistic pursuits of young people in the region 25 years of age and under, and this year’s awards attracted 76 applicants.

The winner and a highly commended entry are recognised in five categories: Visual Arts, Literature, Performing Arts, Short Film and the Yo Bendigo/Ambedo award. 

The Ambedo prize in partnership with Yo Bendigo is given for work that captures the experience of being a young person living in Greater Bendigo in 2024.

The Ambedo magazine is a free quarterly magazine designed, produced, and edited for young people.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the RAW Arts Awards evening and accompanying exhibition provided a fantastic opportunity for young talent in the region to showcase their work.

The City of Greater Bendigo is undertaking smoking and vape-free trials at a number of public sites in Greater Bendigo until Friday June 28, 2024.

The trial areas include:

• Civic Gardens
• Library Gardens
• Dai Gum San
• Canterbury Gardens
• Tom Flood Sports Centre
• Funloong Playspace – Hargreaves Mall (already legislated smoke and vape-free location)
• Lake Weeroona Playspace (already legislated smoke and vape-free location)
• Eaglehawk Playspace (already legislated smoke and vape-free location)
• Ewing Park Playspace and Skate Park (already legislated smoke and vape-free location)
• Barrack Reserve Playspace, Heathcote (already legislated smoke and vape-free location)

City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Andie West said the Victorian Government has already introduced legislated areas like play spaces, skate parks and sporting venues where people cannot smoke and vape.

“The City carried out consultation with young children between 2021 and 2023 who told us they wanted to see more areas where smoking and vaping is banned,” Ms West said.

“In response to this feedback from local children we are now trialling a number of areas that may become smoke and vape free in the future.

“The trial involves placing signage at the trial locations to inform them of the trial and to raise awareness that some of these areas are already smoke and vape free zones.

“Through the trials we want to find out if the wider community supports more smoke and vape-free locations across Greater Bendigo.”

“If the trial is successful, further consultation will be undertaken before any formal changes are made. The City will only make more sites smoke and vape free if the community supports it.”

The consultation is being undertaken with a funding grant from VicHealth and in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Service, Bendigo Health, Heathcote Health, Department of Education and Sports Focus.

Members of the community are invited to have their say by completing a short survey on the City’s Let’s Talk website until Friday June 28.

Members from the VIPER Taskforce have charged a man and seized five firearms, drugs and knives as part of an investigation into the possession of a firearm with alleged links to an outlaw motorcycle gang.

A warrant was executed last Friday (May 3) at a residential address in Bendigo where the firearm was being stored and a 33-year-old Bendigo man was arrested.

During a search of his property, police located a Lithgow .223 calibre bolt action rifle with the serial number removed, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22 calibre rimfire rifle, a .308 centrefire rifle, a .177 air rifle, a dagger, two double edged knives, small quantities of what appear to be cannabis and Diazepam and a large quantity of mixed ammunition.

The man was interviewed and subsequently charged with possess unregistered firearm, two counts of possess drug of dependence and three counts of possess prohibited weapon without approval.

His firearms licence was also suspended and he has been bailed to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on 29 July.

Anyone with information about illicit firearms was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers website.

Police are appealing to the public for information or recorded footage in the wake of a fatal collision that happend at Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo, on Sunday (May 5).

It’s believed a ute and a motorcycle collided on High Street just after 4.30pm, causing the motorcycle to burst into flames.

The rider of the motorcycle died at the scene. The driver of the ute sustained non-life-threatening injuries and had been taken to hospital under police guard.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident had yet to be determined and anyone who witnessed the collision, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

The City of Greater Bendigo has appointed Beam Mobility as the operator for a 12-month e-scooter hire trial in urban Bendigo, beginning late May.

Beam is the largest shared e-scooter provider in Australia, with operations across every state and territory.

The company has more experience in regional cities than any other operator in Australia, with the service popular in other regional cities such as Albury, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, and Broome.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was delighted Beam was on board for the trial, after a Public Request for Quotation process was held earlier this year.

“Beam is well-versed in operating e-scooter hire schemes and will bring their knowledge and expertise to Bendigo’s 12-month trial,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The e-scooters will provide an accessible and sustainable transport option for short trips that will allow residents and visitors to explore urban Bendigo in a new way, improve connectivity between significant precincts and destinations and stimulate new business and tourism opportunities.”

Beam General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said the company was thrilled to be appointed as the City of Greater Bendigo’s shared micromobility partner.

“Data from our other Australian operations shows a shift from cars to a preference for e-scooters for shorter trips under 5 km, and we look forward to seeing the same trend in Bendigo,” Mr Cooper said.

“As we prepare to commence our operations in Bendigo, we are committed to forming partnerships with local community members and organisations and engaging in discussions around the safe operation of e-scooters to ensure the safety of riders, pedestrians, and other road users.

“We know e-scooters are new to the community, and we are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure riders know their responsibilities when on an e-scooter.

“We are confident that our experience across other Australian markets will ensure operations are a success.”

Beam has developed a draft roll out plan with a tentative trial e-scooter operating area, supported by a proactive and responsive customer service approach and education for riders.

The operator will undertake further consultation with the city, councillors, businesses, and landlords over the coming weeks to confirm suitable locations for e-scooter parking and placements.

The maximum travel speed for the hire e-scooters will be 20km/h for roads and on Bendigo’s established shared bike paths (they are not permitted on footpaths under Victorian e-scooter rules), and Beam will identify ‘no-go’ zones or some ‘slow speed zones’ (10km/h) where there is a concentration of activities and a high volume of pedestrians.

The City of Bendigo has set up a key external stakeholder group including representatives from Victorian Police, Bendigo Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo TAFE, Bendigo Sustainability Group, Bike Bendigo, Be Bendigo and local businesses.

There will be regular meetings with this group once the trial starts in late May to monitor how it is going and address any issues or concerns.