Inglewood Town Structure Plan
Inglewood 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 Inglewood. 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 about 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 structure plans in their key towns. Bridgewater and Inglewood were identified as priorities due to the existing levels of demand, the 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 in both towns. 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 Inglewood structure plan will consider how the town 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 Inglewood'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 each town. 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 Inglewood structure plan will be developed and made available for community comments.
The final 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 towns.
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 Inglewood has been been developed based on what we heard from the community. It guides the Structure Plan:
Inglewood is a rural town that values and protects its heritage, historic streetscapes, and distinctive rural character, while supporting a diverse mix of local shops, businesses, and community services for the region.
Future growth and development is sensitively managed to strengthen the local resident and visitor economy, create employment opportunities, and provide essential services, without compromising heritage values. Tourism opportunities build on the Aboriginal cultural heritage, gold mining history, and eucalyptus distilling traditions of the town and surrounds.
Investment in safe and efficient transport, reliable digital and physical infrastructure, and improved public transport enhances liveability and accessibility. Streetscape and public realm improvements are carefully designed to protect heritage buildings, improve amenity and safety, and reinforce Brooke Street as the social and economic heart of the town.
Key elements of the structure plan include:
- Provision for population growth away from bushfire risk;
- Provide a diverse range of housing forms to accommodate families, key workers and older residents;
- Protection of the unique heritage of the town and surrounds;
- Encourage new commercial development in Brooke Street;
- Promote links to Kooyoora State Park.
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.
