August 24th, 2023Council praise for govt move on Hanging Rock precinct

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has welcomed a recent state government announcement which it says will ‘protect the future of the culturally significant Hanging Rock’.
The launch of the Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan has been complemented by confirmation of the
sale of East Paddock at Hanging Rock from the council to the Victorian Government. The council, in a media statement, now says this will allow for ‘a single ownership of the Hanging Rock precinct for the long-term benefit of the community’.
Mayor Annette Death said the sale and master plan would help ensure that the cultural and environmental significance of the site was not only protected but enhanced progressively over the
coming decades.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government and Traditional Owner groups
on the precinct’s long-term management and development, to continue to provide a truly unique
visitor experience that champions the site as a historically special meeting place,” she said.
“Council will also continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Hanging Rock sporting
groups on what the endorsed master plan will mean for them in the short and long term, with the
focus on finding suitable new spaces that meet their needs into the future.”
CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said that the council will be retained as the Committee of Management for at least the next three years – an important condition Council stipulated when confirming a decision to sell East Paddock in June 2022.
“We’re very proud of the work our team at Hanging Rock continues to deliver, in helping to provide a
truly unique experience for tens of thousands of visitors every year while continuing to respect the
land as a significant site for our three Traditional Owner groups,” he said.
The council considered the sale price of East Paddock – just under $3 million – as suitable and within
market range, as assessed by its appointed valuer.
The council, in its statement, says that over the coming months, it ‘will carefully assess the best strategic management of these funds for the long-term benefit of the community’.