The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) held its Annual General Meeting on 29 November 2021.

VRAN returning Chair, Gerald Leach, said he was thrilled to take the reins again and was looking forward to working with the other board members and having the opportunity to implement the VRAN Rabbit Strategy in 2022.

“The VRAN Rabbit Strategy will guide the critical community pest management work we undertake over the next year,” Mr Leach said.

“Our main goal is to secure ongoing funding to enable VRAN to continue delivering programs that support community capacity, collaboration and effective rabbit management, which will help people help the land.”

“I would like to thank the returning board members and also welcome the new VRAN board members, Lisa Adams and Simon McGuinness, who will strengthen the Board’s ability to deliver on these key initiatives.”

He also thanked outgoing VRAN Secretary, Kaye Rodden, for the significant contribution she has made to VRAN and Agriculture Victoria projects since VRAN’s inception in 2014 and its progression to an incorporation association.

“Kaye’s legacy will continue in the implementation of VRAN frameworks, strategies and communication material and her involvement in receiving the United Nations award will never be forgotten.”

“We thank Kaye for her endless dedication and leadership in community led action against pests in Victoria and I know that I speak on behalf of everyone in wishing Kaye all the best for her future.”

VRAN board members – Gerald Leach, Neil Devanny, Geoff McFarlane, Lyn Coulston, Lisa Adams and Simon McGuinness.

Associate board members – Chelsea Vercoe, Tina Konstantinidis and Mel Corry. The VRAN 2020/21 Annual Report can be downloaded on the VRAN website.

The federal government is delivering on its commitment to protect coastal dunes along the Bellarine Peninsula at risk from erosion while restoring the precious habitat that supports native species like the white footed dunnart and Southern brown bandicoot.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the $1.5 million investment supports 11 practical on-the-ground activities from St Leonards to Marengo, led by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, using traditional methods of caring for country and engaging kids from local communities.

“This is a unique and diverse part of the world which supports a myriad of species from the dunnart to the bandicoot as well the coastal Moonah woodlands,” Minister Ley said.

“These on-ground projects reflect the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting communities and most importantly, practical environmental action.

“As well as hands on conservation measures like tree planting and weed eradication, the 11 projects will foster stewardship through community involvement and education with Traditional Owner led activity and local school participation.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson, who has long advocated for coastal restoration programs, toured the Moonah woodlands site today to see first-hand works undertaken to address erosion and feral weed eradication. 

“This significant investment from the Morrison Government recognises the importance of conserving our coastal environments,” Senator Henderson said.

“These projects collectively support the environmental management of an immense area of 345 hectares of coastal land, along 20 kilometres of priority dune systems vulnerable to erosion.

“As part of the ongoing work, land managers will protect and restore fragile dune systems that support threatened species and work with Traditional Owners to protect cultural heritage values, manage access to sites and remediate erosion hotspots through fencing, revegetation, and pest plant and animal control.”

A full list of the projects can be found here: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/project/dunecare/

The Local Government sector and community members are invited to have their say on the Local Government Culture Project Discussion Paper.
The Andrews Labor Government commissioned the Local Government Culture Project earlier this year and the paper, released today, will guide discussions about practical methods to improve culture at Victorian councils.
Three main themes have been identified for discussion including ‘role, responsibilities and supporting mechanisms’, ‘councillor journey’ and ‘dispute resolution and resolving conflict’.
The Local Government Culture Project will promote a more positive environment at councils, create more representative councils, improve governance and enhance public trust.
This work has been undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in partnership with eminent academics Professor Graham Sansom, Adjunct Professor at University of Technology Sydney, and Professor Anona Armstrong AM, Emeritus Professor at the Victoria University College of Law and Justice.
Feedback on the discussion paper is open until 28 February 2022. To read the discussion paper and make a submission visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane: “Victorians deserve the best from their elected representatives, and this is an opportunity for the local government sector to work towards improving the culture of councils across the state so that they can best serve their communities.
“Councils do not get enough credit for the great work they do in their communities, sadly the poor behaviour of a few can taint the whole sector if not properly addressed.
“I invite members of the sector and the community to have their say as part of this project to help strengthen councils and build a sector we can all be proud of.”

A series of improvements will be made to the VicEmergency website, app and social media channels from this week, in line with a national approach to emergency information and warnings.

The changes are being made as part of the Australian Warning System, an agreement to align state and territories’ approach to issuing emergency warnings for the five major hazards of fire, flood, extreme heat, severe weather and cyclones.

Victoria becomes the first state to adopt all aspects of the new system today, and the transition for other states and territories is ongoing.

Acting Emergency Management Commissioner Chris Stephenson said the improvements came after two years of national community consultation and work with Victoria’s emergency response agencies.

“The implementation of the Australian Warning System means cross-border residents and interstate visitors will be interacting with the same warnings system on the Victorian, as well as the NSW and South Australian, sides of the borders,” Acting EMC Stephenson said.

“In the case of a hazard that spans two states, both will use the same icons, and warning level names and colours.”

“Residents and visitors will not have to navigate two separate systems, which will make directions much clearer.”

The move to a nationally aligned system was a recommendation from the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

From today, warnings on VicEmergency will use the nationally-approved warning levels of Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning, and also have an action statement, advising people exactly what to do in response to emergencies.

“There will be no major change to the way Victorians receive emergency warnings,” Acting EMC Stephenson said.

“From today, emergency warnings on VicEmergency will allow the most important direction to be seen immediately in the headline.

“This will help the community make the right decision to protect themselves, others and their property in a timely manner.

“The directions from emergency response agencies will be clear, ensuring communities know when it is best to stay or leave their homes, and when the threat is reduced enough to return home.”

Directions to ‘Evacuate Now’ and ‘Prepare to Evacuate’ were previously issued as their own warning levels, but will now be action statements under the Emergency Warning or Watch and Act levels.

This will ensure the warning levels across Australia are aligned.

Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including:

• VicEmergency app
• www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
• Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter.

The federal government is rebranding the Pension Loans Scheme to be known as the Home Equity Access Scheme and reducing the interest rate from 4.50 per cent to 3.95 per cent per annum.

The cut to the compound interest rate took effect from 1 January 2022, reducing borrowing costs for participants and allowing them to use the Scheme for longer.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the move would give older Australians more confidence to tap into home equity to enhance their retirement living standards.

“The Morrison Government is committed to finding new and innovative ways to support older Australians in their retirement,” Minister Ruston said.

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said home ownership is a bedrock of our society with many people working hard to accumulate wealth in the form of real estate equity.

“The Home Equity Access Scheme allows Australians over the Age Pension age – whether they are pensioners or self-funded retirees – to unlock this equity using a trusted Government product to boost their disposable income in retirement,” Senator Henderson said.

“We know that there are more than 28,200 people in Corangamite electorate, 28,190 in Corio electorate, 27,000 in Ballarat electorate and 28,400 in Bendigo electorate over the Age Pension age who may be able to access the Scheme.”

The Scheme allows older Australians to get a voluntary non-taxable fortnightly loan from the Government up to a maximum value of 150 per cent of the rate of the Age Pension.

To be eligible for the Home Equity Access Scheme, retirees must have reached Age Pension age, own real estate in Australia and meet residency and certain other requirements, but do not need to be receiving a pension payment.

The changes builds on a package of proposed improvements from 1 July 2022, introduced into Parliament earlier in December, to introduce a No Negative Equity Guarantee and allow users of the Scheme to access capped lump sum advance payments.

“The lower interest rate, together with the upcoming enhancements, will make the Scheme an attractive option for retirees,” Senator Henderson said.

“The new name also seeks to make sure that all retirees, not just those on a pension, know they can benefit from the Scheme if it suits their circumstances.”

For more information on the Scheme, go to the Services Australia website.

The state government is seeking community input into Australian-first standards to provide fairer conditions for on-demand workers and greater transparency from platforms.
Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Palla has released the Fair Conduct and Accountability Standards Consultation Paper for the gig economy workforce and invited Victorians to share their views on reforms.
The Government has previously announced that it would support in full or in principle all 20 recommendations made in the report of the Inquiry into the Victorian On-Demand Workforce, and the Victorian Budget 2021/22 included $5.25 million in funding to start implementing this response.
Recommendations included that standards be developed on fair conditions and pay, consultation about work status and arrangements, consideration of parties’ bargaining power, fair and transparent independent dispute resolution, worker representation (including the ability to seek better work arrangements), and safety.
There is little regulation and guidance for non-employee gig economy workers about matters relating to their work arrangements and the Government is proposing to introduce standards for platforms – which would be a national first. The Government will consider options available to it to achieve compliance with the standards.
Some platforms have already introduced measures to establish standards and improve benefits for non-employee on-demand workers.
Views expressed during public consultation will help shape the final form of the standards as they are developed in coming months. Participation is invited from workers and unions, platforms, the wider business community and employer and industry associations, academics, and others in the community.
For more information and to have your say on the standards, visit engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-on-demand-workforce. Submissions are open until 4 February 2022.
Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas: “We’re acting to help gig economy workers who often have little bargaining power and few options to earn a decent income in a precarious work environment.
“Whether you’re a gig economy worker, a person who benefits from the efforts of on-demand workers or a business operator, we want to hear your views on how we can best make the system fairer and more transparent.”

The state government is strengthening the Victorian Forestry Plan, with new support for the timber industry and enhanced environmental protections as the state transitions away from native timber harvesting.
The plan ensures critical supply chains that rely on native timber will have enough time to adjust ahead of the phase out in 2030, while supporting workers and communities through the 2024 step-down and beyond.
The government has announced more than $100 million for workers, communities and businesses impacted by the 2024 step-down from native timber harvesting, which will include opt out packages and increased redundancy payments.
The new commitment to timber communities and families boosts the Government’s total investment for transition support to more than $200 million.
Recent legal challenges to timber harvesting have highlighted the need for new mechanisms to ensure the timber industry can meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production.
Legislation to be introduced early next year will include standards that set out how the industry can meet its obligations to a section of the Code called the precautionary principle.
The changes will provide the industry with greater certainty about how the precautionary principle should be implemented.
The enhanced Victorian Forestry Plan supports include the expansion of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund and the Forestry Business Transition Vouchers program by $20 million.
In addition, $14 million will be provided to implement new environmental measures. This includes a new coupe regeneration plan, which will increase confidence that regeneration requirements are met before coupes are taken off the Timber Release Plan.
The government is strengthening the Conservation Regulator with new infringement powers for anyone breaching the Code of Practice – bringing its disciplinary powers in line with other regulators in Victoria.
This builds on the additional powers provided to the regulator in the new Forests Legislation Amendment (Compliance and Enforcement) Act 2021.
VicForests will continue to deliver on the Government’s timber commitments under the Plan, concentrating on contracting, harvesting and regeneration.
For more information on the Victorian Forestry Plan visit vic.gov.au/forestry.

In a world-first program, the state government is crash testing specialised child restraints used by children with disabilities and medical conditions to shed more light on their safety performance.
Nine special purpose child restraints imported and sold in Australia will undergo frontal and side impact crash tests at the Britax Childcare Crash Test Facility Laboratory in Melbourne’s west as part of the Australian Safety Assessment Program (AuSAP).
Regular child restraints sold in Australia are held to very high safety standards, but families of children with disabilities and medical conditions have not had access to the same level of information on child restraint safety.
Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) has launched AuSAP with funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and in-kind support from Britax Childcare and Neuroscience Research Australia.
The testing program will provide the first national information about the safety and performance of special purpose child restraints for children with disabilities and medical conditions.
While imported special purpose child restraints all comply with one or more overseas standards, there is limited independent information and advice available about their safety performance and how they stack up against the rigorous Australian Child Restraint Standard.
Special purpose child restraints are used by children with disabilities and medical conditions including cerebral palsy and autism who are often unable to travel in standard Australian child seats.
MACA’s national research also shows that children with disabilities and medical conditions continue to be inappropriately restrained in vehicles, adding to the ongoing road safety challenges.
Over half of parents report that their child had gotten out of their child restraint or vehicle seatbelt and 10% report that their child had escaped the car onto the road.
Over half of Australian health professionals report they do not have the knowledge required to address car seating and travel needs for children with disabilities and medical conditions, and 70% of parents report never receiving any information on how to safely transport their child.
The AuSAP findings will be translated into practical advice and information for allied health professionals to guide best-practice prescribing and use of each restraint. AuSAP also aims to expand safe vehicle restraint options by making it easier for organisations to supply and promote products to the Australian market.
Minister for Roads Ben Carroll: “Choosing the most appropriate vehicle restraint, based on the individual needs of the child, is the first step in supporting a child’s safety.
“This program is the first of its kind globally and will give Victorians greater knowledge and options on how best to protect their loved ones.”

The state government is going in to bat for community cricket with grants available to develop and upgrade cricket facilities across the state.
Applications are open for the next round of the Labor Government’s $13.5 million Community Cricket Program. This funding round will provide more than $1.5 million to community clubs and councils to develop or redevelop local cricket infrastructure, from training nets through to female friendly and accessible change rooms.
12 projects will also benefit from more than $1.1 million in funding from the last round of the program, including $100,000 towards cricket nets at the home of Preston Druids Cricket Club at W H Robinson Reserve, and $100,000 towards cricket nets at Mt Clear Recreation Reserve, home of Mt Clear Cricket Club.
By helping clubs modernise their facilities, communities can cater for even more people keen to get involved in cricket.
Since 2019, the Community Cricket Program – Community Facilities stream has invested more than $3.9 million in 42 cricket infrastructure projects across Victoria. This initiative is part of the Government’s investment of more than $1.1 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
For more information about the Community Cricket Program including how to apply and current round recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence: “Summer means cricket in Victoria, that’s why we’re getting on with helping clubs and councils build the facilities they need.
“By investing in better facilities, we’re opening more opportunities for all to get involved in their local club and follow in the footsteps of their cricket heroes.”

A new advertising campaign is warning men in Victoria not to think they are an ‘Unsinkable Guy’ in a push to reduce drowning deaths across the state.
A staggering four out of five drowning deaths in Victoria over the past 10 years have involved men aged 25 to 64.
Inflatable ‘unsinkable guys’ feature in the TV, radio, print, digital and social media campaign to highlight a number of the dangers that led to 61 drownings in 2020-21.
Close to one third of all drowning deaths in the state over the past decade involved alcohol.
The advertising campaign commences on Sunday as part of a new summer water safety messaging this year to reach at-risk groups in the community in the hopes of a safer summer.
The campaign is built on extensive research that shows men often underestimate drowning dangers to themselves, despite looking out for others. The campaign asks them to rethink their risks around the water.
The research shows that men are also less likely to heed water safety messages.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today also launched a new Victorian Water Safety Strategy to encourage people to safely enjoy activities in and around the water and to drive drownings to zero.
Drowning related deaths are a risk across the community, with the Strategy aimed at reducing the risk at beaches, lakes, rivers and dams, at home, as well as public and private pools and ponds.
The new Water Safety Strategy for 2021-25 maps out steps to tackle a range of contributing factors such as the growing number of people visiting the water, demand for water safety education programs, and education for people using recreational vessels.
The Government is investing $8.5 million with Life Saving Victoria for critical water safety initiatives to help reduce the number of drownings in Victoria and support the extension of the lifesaving season in 2021-22.
A further $71.5 million is supporting swimming lessons and resources for primary school children.
The Water Safety Strategy can be found at vic.gov.au/victorian-water-safety-strategy.

RSPCA Victoria will have a range of fun, engaging and educational programs available for the upcoming school holidays, suitable for animal lovers of all ages.
For the first time, the programs will be available in different formats to suit a variety of audiences – including face to face sessions which are a great option for working parents in Melbourne, as well as virtual programs for those who prefer to participate from the comfort of their home or regional areas.
RSPCA Victoria Education and Training Manager Belinda Marchbank said the classes, taught by professional educators at RSPCA Victoria, offer something for any child with an interest in or love of animals.
“Our School Holiday program this year will offer great variety and choice for kids, providing the opportunity to learn about animal welfare while nurturing their love of all living creatures. There are also programs that you can do as a family for some special holiday time for adults and kids together,” Ms Marchbank said.
“And while there’s some great free virtual options available to everyone no matter where you’re located, there’s also affordable face-to-face offerings that would make a great Christmas present!”
RSPCA Victoria’s school holiday program runs from Monday 10th January to Friday 21st January, with a selection of classes provided free-of-charge. Paid programs will be $49 for children aged 5-7 years, or $85 for children aged 7-16 years.
Some of the programs on offer include:
• Jnr barn crew on-farm visit – Welcome budding farmers to RSPCA’s barn and paddocks.
• Canine companions – Explore the many ways RSPCA Victoria helps dogs in the community and meet some of our happy hounds.
• Story time with guinea pigs – Let’s read a book together from the guinea pig enclosure.
• First aid for pets – Learn about how to help your pet in an emergency.
• All creatures arts and crafts – Meeting our animals will provide plenty of creative inspiration for budding artists and photographers.
• What to do for wildlife – A family session.
Visit RSPCA Victoria’s website to find out more or to book – rspcavic.org/services/education-and-learning/holiday-programs

Launching this week, RSPCA Victoria’s New Year, New Home adoption promotion aims to rehome as many rabbits and cats as possible with adoption fees reduced to $22 per animal.
The New Year, New Home adoption promotion will run at four RSPCA Victoria sites including Burwood East, Peninsula and Epping Animal Welfare Facility, Wangaratta and Warrnambool from 4th – 18th January 2022.
All adult rabbit adoption fees will be reduced from $68 and cat adoption fees will be reduced from $120, in honour of what is sure to be another big year in the world of animal welfare. All senior cats (over 10 years old) and rabbits (over 5 years old) will continue to have their adoption fees waived. RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Operations, Tanya Drakopoulos, says small animals such as rabbits and cats make engaging and affectionate pets. “They may be small, but rabbits and cats are colourful characters with big personalities. They have just as much love to give as dogs, if their owners focus on building a strong bond and caring for them properly by giving them all they need for a rich and rewarding life. “Sadly, many people buy rabbits and cats under the guise that they are low maintenance, however they are naturally active, social, curious and intelligent animals who require as much care as other pets,” said Ms Drakopoulos.
Last year alone, 226 rabbits and 671 cats were surrendered to RSPCA Victoria Animal Care Centres. The most common reason reported by owners for surrender was not having enough time to care for the animal.
“We see a lot of rabbits and cats come through our Inspectorate because people do not invest the time or energy that is needed to care for them properly. “Spending quality time with pets is one of the best ways to build a bond and have a meaningful relationship with these special animals. “Equally important is ensuring cats and rabbits have all of the fundamental freedoms to live a happy and healthy life including adequate space, food, enrichment, and the company of other desexed animals,” said Ms Drakopoulos.
While RSPCA Victoria’s New Year, New Home offers reduced adoption fees, the same time and effort
goes into carefully matching each animal to the right family. Anyone wanting to adopt an animal from
RSPCA Victoria is still required to proceed through the usual adoption process to ensure they meet
the specific behavioural and environmental needs of the relevant animal.
RSPCA Victoria has held several successful discounted and fee-waived adoption promotions and the
community can be assured the normal process applies. Studies have shown that there is no
difference in the care provided for an animal whether adopted through a fee-waiver program or for a
fee.
The New Year, New Home adoption campaign aims to show Victorians the value of rabbits and cats
as companion animals and how they can make the perfect option for people who live in smaller
dwellings.
Did you know this about rabbits?
• Rabbits love to play with toys.
• Rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats.
• Rabbits thrive on an indoor lifestyle.
• Rabbits are most active during the morning and evening, making them the perfect pet for
those who maintain a busy lifestyle during the day.
Did you know this about cats?
• Cats can live a healthy and happy life when kept contained to the home.
• Cats are fastidiously clean animals.
• While cats require social interaction to be happy, they also love their privacy.
• Like dogs, cats enjoy a regular routine.
All rabbits and cats adopted from RSPCA Victoria are health checked, microchipped, vaccinated and
desexed. For additional information about how to care for rabbits and cats, visit rspcavic.org

State-run vaccination sites across Victoria are being transformed into an Australian-themed ‘forest of protection’ creating a friendly environment for children aged 5 to 11 years to receive their vaccination.
Eight flagship vaccination centres will feature fun imagery of native Australian animals, as well as entertainers, activities and showbags designed to help make the vaccination experience positive for children and their families.
The forest-themed sites will be located at Melton Vaccination Hub (indoor and drive-through), Campbellfield Ford Complex, Cranbourne Turf Club, Sandown Racecourse, Frankston Community Vaccination Hub, Geelong’s Former Ford Factory, Shepparton Showgrounds and Traralgon Racecourse.
From 1pm today, parents and guardians can book at one of the 18 state-run vaccination centres offering child vaccinations online or through the coronavirus hotline. Online bookings require a unique email address, which can be the child’s address or another one belonging to a parent or guardian.
Children who get vaccinated at one of the eight flagship sites will receive a showbag with goodies that can help with distraction, including a colouring-in book by First Nations artist Emma Bamblett, coloured pencils, stickers and fidget spinners.
The decoration has been developed with children and parents, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Children will also be able to place a leaf with their name on it on the ‘eucalyptus vaccination tree’ that grows with every child vaccinated, with parents also able to add a leaf after receiving their third dose.
The state-run sites have been designed to cater for children who need additional support during their vaccination process such as a visual distraction, virtual reality headsets and the Buzzy Bees ice pack. The child-friendly vaccination hubs also provide low-sensory booths and are able to cater for specific needs.
In addition, parents and guardians are encouraged to also check for paediatric vaccination appointments at their local GPs and pharmacies across Victoria.
An immunisation plan has been developed by the Department of Health and The Royal Children’s Hospital as a resource for guardians to help decide where and how to book based on their child’s needs.
Parents and guardians of children between 5 and 11 are recommended to book in their child’s first dose in the lead up to the program commencing 10 January. The paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine reduces COVID-19 risks for children and has the additional benefit of reducing risks of transmission to older contacts.
For more information and to book your children’s first dose – visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine. Bookings can also be made via the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or via your local pharmacy or GP.
Acting Premier Jacinta Allan: “By getting your child vaccinated, you are providing them with direct protection against COVID-19 and reducing the risk of transmission to loved ones and in schools.
“We want to create a vaccination experience that is positive for the whole family – the forest themed hubs have been designed to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for children of all backgrounds and abilities.”

The state government has released a draft masterplan for Victoria’s iconic Hanging Rock precinct that will ensure the area’s environmental and cultural assets are protected.
Residents, community groups and visitors are invited to share their views and ideas on the draft Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan which is now open for consultation.
The plan outlines how the Hanging Rock Precinct in the Macedon Ranges will be protected and managed into the future, including finding ways to resolve some of the area’s major challenges. Those challenges include ensuring increasing visitor numbers do not negatively impact Hanging Rock and the surrounding environment and planning for the future impacts of a changing climate.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Djaara, and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups to address and resolve these challenges while ensuring the important cultural stories are included throughout the precinct. In 2018, the Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council approved the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to help protect the area. The master plan has been developed to show how the strategic plan will be implemented over the next 20 years.
Consultation is open until Monday, 28 February 2022. To view the draft plan visit: engage.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock-master-plan. The final Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan is expected to be completed in June 2022.
Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio: “Victorians love Hanging Rock, that’s why we are planning for its future and protecting its unique natural environment so we can ensure it continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.
“This plan will ensure issues facing the area – included increasing numbers of visitors and the challenges of climate change − are addressed.”
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “In collaboration with Traditional Owners, the master plan will ensure visitors can continue to visit Hanging Rock while managing impacts to the natural environmental and cultural assets of this iconic place into the future.”