The Macedon Ranges Shire is inviting public feedback in response to its new Draft Budget 2025-26.

Feedback submissions are being accepted for a two-week period which opened April 24 and will run through to May 8.

The council says it is a valuable opportunity for the community to provide feedback on key proposals and initiatives within the budget, which will be considered alongside any submissions received at the June 2025 Council Meeting.

“We’re proposing a balanced budget that sees an increased focus on ‘back to basics’,” Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Cr Dom Bonanno said.

“I encourage everyone to have a look at what we’re proposing in this concise version of the Draft Budget 2025-26 and tell us what you think.”

Submissions can be made via yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/budget-2025-26

The state government’s Access Policy Roadmap is now state-wide, ensuring women and girls right across Victoria have equal access to sporting facilities and opportunities.

The state’s minister for community sport, Ros Spence recently announced the statewide adoption of the policy.

All of Victoria’s 79 councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria will now adopt the framework for their local communities including the shires of Macedon Ranges, Hepburn, Mount Alexander and Moorabool in Macedon.  

Since being launched in August 2022, the Roadmap is helping councils and their local sporting clubs to create equal access and opportunities for women and girls so all Victorians  can take part in the sports they love.  

As part of the Roadmap, councils must have policies in place to be eligible for community sport program funding.

The policies are tailored to the local community and designed to  achieve long-term change resulting in more equal participation for women and girls.  

Examples include how women and girls will be considered when it comes to allocating community sport facilities, like ovals, changerooms and courts.  

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence:  “Victoria is proud to lead the nation in creating a level playing field for women and girls, so  they have the same access and opportunities as men when it comes playing the sports they  love.”  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:  “This policy will make a big difference for the women and girls of Macedon, ensuring they  get access to the sport facilities and opportunities they deserve.”

Developed in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, the Roadmap supports councils with obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.

Those interested can learn more about  the Fair Access Policy Roadmap at changeourgame.vic.gov.au/initiatives/fair-access-policy roadmap.  

This story based on a media release from the office of Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas

The Fire Danger Period officially started in both the Hepburn Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire areas this Monday.

The CFA declared the Fire Danger Period for both local municipalities became effective from 1am this Monday, November 25 and is scheduled to end on May 1 2025, unless otherwise advised.

This means no fires can be lit in the open air without a permit during this period.

In its long-range forecast for December to February shows, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast
an increased chance of warmer than average days and nights across most of Australia and that
above average rainfall is likely for large parts of eastern Australia.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, said several shire-wide fire prevention initiatives were already well progressed to cut grass along council-managed roadsides, keep trees clear from powerlines and reduce fuel loads on private properties.

“We know fire does not discriminate and so it is important for us to complete annual programs we’re
responsible for, while working closely with the community to collectively reduce the shire’s fire risk,”
he said.

“I encourage residents to either review their existing fire plan or take the time to create one, drawing
from the range of useful resources available online through trusted authorities such as the CFA.”

Annual fire prevention activities in council-managed areas to date have included:

• a roadside grass slashing program on Council-managed roads, with contractors starting in the
  north of the shire and working their way south to provide initial coverage of the shire (the
  Department of Transport and Planning undertakes its own program to maintain state-managed
  roadsides)
• an electric line vegetation clearance program within declared areas of Gisborne and Kyneton,
  to keep trees a safe distance away from powerlines (Powercor is responsible for pruning
  vegetation within the shire outside of Gisborne and Kyneton, with Jemena responsible for
  Gisborne South)
• inspections of private properties, checking for fire hazards such as unmaintained long grass,
  excessive woodpiles or other debris.
  One standard trailer-load of residential green waste can be disposed of for free at Council’s resource
  recovery facilities in Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend, via a redeemable voucher in the Winter 2024
  edition of Council’s ShireLife newsletter publication delivered to mailboxes locally.
  For more information on:
• preparing for fire and heat – visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-heat
• Fire Danger Ratings and the Fire Danger Period – visit cfa.vic.gov.au
• applying for a permit – visit firepermits.vic.gov.au
• the latest information on current incidents and alerts – visit emergency.vic.gov.au
• Council’s resource recovery facilities, inc. green waste voucher – visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/RRF

The Macedon Ranges council election results have been announced with nine councillors across the three wards sworn in earlier this week after the Victorian Electoral Commission declared the results on Thursday, November 7.

East Ward will be represented by first time councillors Cassy Borthwick, Daniel Young and Andrew Scanlon, who were elected in that order.

Ms Borthwick has lived in Romsey for two decades and she has run a small business, hosting local events, and taking part in volunteering roles.

Mr Young has served a term in the state parliament in an independent party and has been a lifelong Macedon Ranges resident.

And Andrew Scanlon says that through his role as a councillor, he hopes to create a “place where people can live, work and be happy without fear of prejudice or judgement”.

Former councillors Henry Bleeck and Geoffrey Allan Neil were unsuccessful in their bids for election.

In South Ward, previous term councillors Dom Bonnano and Christine Walker finished first and second in the vote count, with Alison Joseph third.

Ms Joseph has been a resident of Macedon Ranges for over three decades and is passionate about protecting the environment.

She says she has a vision for “a council that delivers what the community wants, is open, accountable, keeps costs down and uses ratepayer’s money wisely.”

Previous term councillor Rob Guthrie and former councillor John Leitchford also ran for South Ward but were unsuccessful.

West Ward will be represented by three female councillors. New councillor Kate Kendall attracted the highest percentage of first preference votes, followed by previous term councillors Jennifer Anderson second and Janet Pearce third.

Ms Kendall is the volunteer president of Business Kyneton, is on the board of Tourism Macedon Ranges, and has worked as a chief executive and tech start-up founder.

The Macedon Ranges status as a declared distinctive area and landscape is among key aspects contained in the shire’s submission to the state government’s Plan for Victoria.

At its August scheduled meeting held last week the council endorsed its submission to the Victorian Government’s Plan for Victoria proposal, relating to a new land use strategy that will guide how Victoria grows and develops in the period to 2050.

The council’s submission outlines how the Plan should support the Macedon Ranges community, economy, environment and landscape.

In its submissions the council reinforces that Plan for Victoria must have regard for the Macedon Ranges’ status as a declared distinctive area and landscape and ensure the continued implementation of the Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy.

The council’s submission also references the importance of its priority projects, Climate Emergency Plan (2023-2030) and other recently endorsed key township plans, including the Riddells Creek Movement Network Plan (2024-2033), Kyneton Movement Network Plan (2024-2033), Gisborne Futures Structure Plan (July 2024) and Romsey Structure Plan (May 2024).

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy is in limbo after a notion of rescission was lodged at its August meeting held last week.

The council’s proposed Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was among multiple matters carrying significant community implications that went before local councillors for decision at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s August meeting held last week.

The Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy was considered and an alternate motion, COM.2 Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, had then successfully passed at the meeting.

However a notice of motion to rescind item ‘COM.2 Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy’ was then lodged.

In accordance with the council’s governance rules, the rescission motion must now be considered by the council at the first available meeting, meaning the councillors must consider the rescission motion at the council’s meeting scheduled for Monday September 16.

More information about the notice of rescission will be provided in the agenda for that council meeting, and is to be published on Council’s website by 5pm on Wednesday September 11.

The council has issued a media release stating that it will not be in a position to make further media comments in relation to the matter until after the September meeting.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has endorsed a report containing recommendations for the future management of unsealed roads within its township boundaries.

The council manages about 860 kilometres of unsealed roads, with about 76 kilometres of those within township boundaries.

Over the past five years, factors such as floods, storms and increased traffic have caused a significant rise in the number of requests for maintenance to unsealed roads.

Recommendations included undertaking an unsealed road network condition audit to inform the future management of the council’s unsealed road network.

They also included trialling a ‘Light Pavement and Spray Seal’ solution for suitable unsealed roads within township boundaries, and also proceeding with a Special Charge Scheme process for Noonan Grove in Woodend under the previous policy.

Two returning Macedon Ranges Shire Council grant programs – and a new climate action-focused grant program – have opened with eligible community groups invited to apply throughout September.

The Environment Group Support Grants empower local environment groups through capacity building, weed control and biolink enhancement, all of which benefit the community and natural environment of the shire.

There are three categories under the program: Landcare, Friends Groups and Network Support Funding; Strategic Weed Partnership Program; and Biolink Boost Grants.

New to the grant offerings this year are the Community Climate Action Grants, designed to support groups in developing, implementing and evaluating projects that reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and build climate resilience.

Local groups eligible for the grant include community and environment groups, not-for-profit organisations and schools.

The council has again collaborated with community partners Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Limited and Community Bank Gisborne and District to match funding, with an additional $20,000 provided to boost the funding available to $40,000 each for both the Biolink Boost and Community Climate Action grants.

Mayor Annette Death thanked the community partners for their contributions and encouraged local groups to check their eligibility and submit their projects or ideas for consideration.

“These grants support and recognise the significant contributions our local groups make and assist them to continue delivering projects that benefit the community as a whole,” she said.

The council will also launch its Australia Day Grants Program, following endorsement of updated guidelines at the August 2024 Council Meeting, to support events and acknowledgement ceremonies that mark 26 January in a way that is respectful of all community members.

Grants of up to $1,000 are available for community activities held any day within one week either side of 26 January (including on 26 January), to mark Australia Day with more traditional events or other activities that are respectful of First Nations Peoples.

“Australia Day can mean different things to different people and it’s important that we as a community respect that,” said Cr Death.

“Last year, we provided funding to a range of local groups to host activities on or around Australia Day that reflected their relevant views peacefully and respectfully, and brought the community together. We look forward to providing this support to the community again in 2025.”

Those keen to find out more about the grants and apply can visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/grant online.

Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the shire’s four libraries as free ‘warm spaces’ and enjoy an abundance of literature and free activities during the colder months. 

In partnership with Goldfields Libraries and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, the local council is backing an initiative to utilise libraries at Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey during business hours, to help people reduce energy costs and stay connected throughout winter and beyond.  

In addition to offering literature in different formats including books, eBooks and audiobooks, all four libraries also have free Wi-Fi, daily newspapers and free activities for all ages. 

Goldfields Library Corporation’s Manager Engagement and Operations, Jess Saunders, said in the current climate where many people are experiencing cost of living pressures, libraries were a great option for people to keep warm, participate in free activities and stay socially connected. 

“Libraries are safe and inclusive spaces, and everyone is welcome to use them. You can stay all day in a comfortable warm environment, surrounded by friendly people, without needing to spend any money or worry about running up energy bills,” she said. 

Following National Homelessness Week, 5-11 August, the council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, is encouraging those experiencing homelessness to reach out for support and use libraries as a safe, warm space to help stay connected. 

“We know providing public warm spaces doesn’t solve the issue of homelessness, but it does go some way towards providing a safe space, where people can feel connected to the community,” Ms Weiss said.

“That connection can also provide an opportunity to find out what other services may be available to them.” 

Support services are provided locally by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, with the organisation’s Team Leader Housing Support and Financial Services, Kate Weston, saying they can assist anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Macedon Ranges.  

“We can also refer people to other services that the organisation offers such as counselling and family services,” Ms Weston said.

“The warm spaces initiative offers local community members a valuable source of support where they can access lots of useful information.”  

Exploring and facilitating warm, safe spaces for residents during times of extreme weather is a key action in Council’s Climate Emergency Plan 2023-30, to assist with strengthening communities’ collective resilience to climate change events.    

The council has also committed to advocating for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through its Affordable Housing Policy, which was adopted in June 2023, and its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025. 

“Through these commitments, we are working closely with key stakeholders to support more affordable housing options and help address the issue of homelessness in our community, and to raise awareness of support services available,” said Ms Weiss. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, you can contact Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) on 03 5421 1666 or the Launch Housing Emergency Accommodation Crisis Line (after hours) on 1800 825 955.  

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community feedback to help develop a new community equestrian facilities plan.

At its July meeting held last week the council endorsed the release its new Draft Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan for public feedback.

The Macedon Ranges has one of the highest participation rates in recreational equestrian activities in Victorian LGAs.

Development of the plan is aimed at providing clearer direction for the management and development of equestrian facilities across the shire.

The council is now inviting community feedback up to August 22 to help inform the final plan with more information available on the council website.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Director Assets and Operations Shane Walden will depart the
organisation in the coming weeks to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer at Golden Plains Shire
Council.

Macedon Ranges Shire Chief Executive Officer Bernie O’Sullivan has congratulated Shane on his achievements during his five years at Macedon Ranges Shire Council, leading a significant team of staff across complex areas of operational services and project delivery.

“Shane has left an indelible mark on our organisation and his team through his leadership, skill and
approach,” he said.

“Shane has been a valued member of our Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership teams and a
great support and colleague to me and many across the organisation, and regionally across our
neighbouring shires. Councillors have also greatly appreciated Shane’s knowledge, diligence and
collegiality.

“His strong list of achievements was highlighted by the recent delivery of Stage 1 of the Macedon
Ranges Sports Precinct in New Gisborne, which just opened to acclaim and is the biggest single
($30M) capital project delivered by Council.

“We are all incredibly proud of Shane and congratulate him on his appointment and wish him and his
family every success in the future. Thank you, Shane.”

The council will shortly commence a recruitment process for the Director Assets and Operations role.

Macedon Ranges residents are now being encouraged to join an expanded shire-wide kerbside soft plastics recycling pilot, following an encouraging earlier trial in Romsey.

As of this week households can now register in-person at a council customer service centre to get a free pack of 20 bags. Households can conveniently recycle soft plastics by filling these special orange collection bags and, when full, placing them into the yellow-lidded recycling bin for collection. 

The pilot program is an expansion of an initial 12-month trial in Romsey and is part of the development of a proposed national pilot program led by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) in conjunction with over 40 household brands.

Mayor Annette Death said the council’s ongoing involvement in supporting recycling alternatives for soft plastics reflected resident feedback and interest in the former RedCycle program.

“We are confident this pilot program will be used by even more households, given the convenience of using a special bag in their own bin,” she said.

“We welcome this initiative by the AFGC and are excited to continue this pilot partnership in our shire. Soft plastics are currently a big part of our waste to landfill and cannot be efficiently collected for recycling in any other way.

“We hope that this expanded pilot benefits our residents and helps inform the next important phase of this scheme. It is important that many more households are able to recycle soft plastic into products made here in Australia.” 

AFGC Director of Sustainability, Barry Cosier, said the expanded pilot was the next step for industry and governments to collaborate in designing a product stewardship scheme in Australia.

“We have been working with many companies and all levels of government on a solution for soft plastics,” Mr Cosier said.

“While soft plastics are useful for packaging everything from peas to bread, to parcels and garden mulch, we need large quantities to be efficiently collected to instil confidence to invest in recycling and to remanufacture it into recycled products and packaging again.”  

The Romsey-based trial selected just over 2,200 residents to participate, with a massive 1737 kilograms of soft plastic that would have otherwise gone to landfill recycled.

Work is also underway to better understand which households choose to recycle, and the benefits of different collection methods, while brands continue to work towards the development of a proposed product stewardship scheme.  

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting feedback on its designated dog off-leash and prohibited areas to help improve amenity for both pet owners and non-pet owners.

In 2020, the council became a dog on-leash shire, introducing 52 designated dog off-leash areas. At the same time, the council introduced prohibited areas to protect the shire’s sensitive native environment from the impact of dogs and cats.

This new consultation – a key action in the council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (2021-2025) – seeks feedback on how these areas are working and welcomes suggestions for improvement of existing areas, as well as suggestions for new areas to be considered.

Director Planning and Environment Rebecca Stockfeld said the consultation provided the opportunity for feedback from all users of these areas, both pet owners and non-pet owners alike.

“Council strives to support a pet-friendly shire and we have a lot of passionate pet owners, with nearly 14,000 dogs and cats registered within our shire,” she said.

“There are a number of important considerations when it comes to dog on and off-leash areas, and prohibited areas: we need to balance the needs of dogs, dog owners and the wider community, we look at available space and we also consider the impact of pets on the natural environment.

“So with this review, we encourage people to tell us what they think of these areas, so that we can make informed decisions moving forward to best support our residents and our furry friends.”

Under current rules, dogs in public places must be on a leash, unless in designated off-leash areas in accordance with any specified restrictions for that area. Even in off-leash areas, dogs must also be under effective control at all times and should not be left unattended.

Feedback gathered will assist the council in preparing potential activities for inclusion in the next Domestic Animal Management Plan (2025 – 2029), including any adjustments to the dog off-leash and prohibited areas (also known as Council’s Dog and Cat Order 2019).

With input welcome up to August 11, those keen to know more and share their own thoughts should visit the council’s dedicated consultation page via its website.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council will host a range of free events – including film screenings and a community and family day – as part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s celebrations will be held from 7 to 14 July with the theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud”.

“Celebrating NAIDOC Week and the history, culture and achievements of our First Nations people continues to be an important part of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Council Plan,” Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss said.

“I encourage our community to get along to the great events on offer, to broaden their knowledge and help us continue to work towards improved outcomes for our Traditional Owner groups and First Nations people.”

Registrations for all events is essential with more information available through the council’swebsite.

The Riddells Creek community will benefit from improved safety and connectivity with a new pedestrian crossing soon to be built after the Macedon Ranges Shire Council received a state government grant.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is one of the 40 Victorian councils to share in more than $2 million under the annual Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program, with funded projects to use Safe System principles to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.

The council will receive $75,345 to construct a pedestrian crossing on Station Street, just before Hamilton Street, allowing safer passage between the shops and Riddells Creek Station.

Council’s Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden, thanked the Victorian Government for supporting the priority works highlighted by the community during consultation on the Draft Riddells Creek Movement Network Study.

“The study addresses transport concerns in Riddells Creek, particularly regarding traffic, parking and pedestrian safety, and has been informed by detailed research and community feedback,” he said.

“A lack of pedestrian crossings was identified as a major issue within the study and by the community, with Station Street specifically listed as a problem area.”

“It is fantastic to be able to address this area of concern and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”

The project will begin with planning and construction undertaken during the 2024/25 financial year.