Bridgewater Town Structure Plan
Bridgewater Town Structure Plan
The Department of Transport and Planning is supporting Loddon Shire Council to develop a structure plan to guide the future form and function of Bridgewater. Plan2Place consultants have been appointed to undertake the project.
What is a structure plan
A structure plan is a long term plan that will guide how a town will develop and evolve over time. It is a directional document that provides guidance on how to manage and facilitate change within a town or area.
The structure plan will include a vision for the future of the town, along with strategies and actions to achieve the vision. The plan will identify the best use of land consistent with the vision, what infrastructure is required to support the town and how challenges and opportunities can be addressed.
Why we need a structure plan
Council’s Planning Scheme Review (2023) identified the need to update the structure plans for the key towns of Loddon Shire. Bridgewater and Inglewood were identified as priorities due to the existing level of demand, proximity to Bendigo and the environmental challenges of bushfire and flood.
These two towns are well-developed, historic townships where amenities and key services are located and the needs of the surrounding agricultural industry are supported. This provides many business, industry and housing opportunities. Any growth within the towns needs to be planned and considered to ensure their ongoing success. A separate plan will be developed for each town, based on their needs, opportunities and ideas.
The structure plan will consider how Bridgewater can support new businesses and respond to the challenges of affordable and key worker housing supply and environmental risks. It will also ensure that any changes are well considered and planned to maintain and enhance Bridgewater's character and vibrancy.
How the structure plan will be developed
The structure plan will be developed in consultation with community members and there will be a range of opportunities to be involved in the process.
A background paper will be developed which will outline all the research and data for Bridgewater. This will include economic and residential drivers, environmental and infrastructure considerations and community desires and expectations. This will provide the foundation for the development of the structure plan.
A draft structure plan will be developed and made available for community comments.
The final Bridgewater structure plan will be developed after consideration of community comments and will be presented to council for formal adoption.
How you can get involved
The community can be involved throughout the project’s development and formal engagement opportunities will occur at key points.
Stage one – Vision and key issues (October 2025)
Drop in activities along with an online survey will ask community members for their vision and issues they think the structure plan should address for their town.
Inglewood – Lions Park, Brooke St, 3.30pm-5.30pm Thursday 30th October
Bridgewater – In front of the Post Office, Main St, 8.30am – 10.30 am Friday 31st October
Stage two – Review of the background paper/ draft structure plan (June/July 2026)
Drop in activities along with an online opportunity to provide feedback on the draft structure plan to ensure we are on the right track.
Stage three – Formal exhibition of the plan (Late-2026)
An opportunity to provide written submissions on elements of the structure plan as part of a formal planning scheme amendment to implement the land use and development components of the plan.
Implementation of the plan will occur over coming years subject to Council budget processes, advocacy actions and community development.
Draft Structure Plan!
Based on the research conducted and community contributions, a draft structure plan has been prepared. It can be downloaded from this page.
The following vision for Bridgewater has been been developed based on what we heard from the community. It guides the Structure Plan:
Bridgewater is a welcoming riverside town that values its close connection to nature, strong community spirit, and distinctive small-town character. The Loddon River is central to community life, with development that protects and enhances access to the river and supports water-based recreation and enjoyment of the natural environment.
The town grows in a considered and sustainable way, supporting a diverse and resilient community across all age groups. Growth focuses on strengthening the business and retail opportunities of the town centre, while improving the safety, amenity and walkability of Main Street. Large manufacturers provide local employment while new industries support the needs of the town and surrounding farming community. Floods impact the town; however, the town is resilient and managing these risks.
Future development respects Bridgewater’s rural setting and small scale, ensuring that new housing and commercial activity complement the town’s character. By prioritising liveability, access to nature, and essential services, Bridgewater continues to be a safe, connected and vibrant community.
Key elements of the structure plan include:
- Provision for population growth away from flood risk;
- Protection of existing industry, and support for new industry;
- Encourage new commercial development in Main Street;
- Enhance physical and visual links to the Loddon River.
Please review the structure plan and supporting background material and let us know what you think. Feedback is invited via the ideas tab below or come along to a community drop in session in mid July. Details to come.
