Macedon Ranges Shire Council plans to relocate the Kyneton Visitor Information Centre from its current site on High Street to the Kyneton Museum in Piper Street, in a move that has alarmed local volunteers.
The relocation is part of a review and restructure of council’s Economic Development and Visitor Economy department, although it is not expected to take place until the 2027-28 financial year.
Council’s director of planning and environment Rebecca Stockfeld said the review aimed to ensure an appropriate balance of staff across tourism and economic development portfolios, enabling council to better serve communities, businesses and visitors.
“As part of this review, council has identified a future opportunity for the Kyneton Visitor Information Centre to be co-located with the Kyneton Museum,” Ms Stockfeld said.
However, some volunteers at the centre have raised serious concerns about the proposed relocation.
One long-time volunteer told the Express a lack of carparking in Piper Street and steep gutters to the footpath posed a serious problem for visitors, especially older people.
“There are no public toilets in Piper Street and at our current location people stop, they go to the toilet, use the information centre and enjoy the park,” they said.
“There’s nothing like that in Piper Street.
“We’re also currently located at the entryway to Kyneton making it easy for people to call in for directions or assistance.”
Despite the doubts of volunteers, Ms Stockfeld said bringing the visitor information centre and museum together would recognise their shared focus on destination development, community identity and visitor engagement.
She said council also saw significant value in moving visitor services to Piper Street, placing them in the heart of one of the Macedon Ranges’ premier tourism destinations.
“The move is intended to enhance visitor accessibility and experience, while creating stronger connections between visitor services, local businesses, attractions and the unique character of the Piper Street precinct,” Ms Stockfeld said.
Planning and transition activities will begin following the departmental changes, but the relocation remains in its early stages.
Ms Stockfeld said operational details, including the final visitor service model and any parking arrangements associated with the site, had yet to be determined.
These matters will be considered as part of the planning and transition process, which will allow time for appropriate operational planning, consultation and implementation.