A group of ‘concerned local stakeholders’ who believe the potential of the Macedon Ranges “is being constrained by current regional decision makers” has put out a call for new council candidates.
Placing a classifieds advertisement in the Midland Express last week, the group stated it was “dedicated to supporting new councillors to bring innovative ideas and positive thinking to the table and seize the many opportunities that abound in our region”.
“By embracing a new way of thinking … a revived council can lead the Macedon Ranges into the future with confidence, optimism and the support of the wider community,” the advertisement read.
The advertisement was authorised by business development manager and projects manager for ZFN Group (Kyneton on Riverside developers) James Schaefer, who said the group was born from a forum he facilitated in July 2019 in which participants from Kyneton Connect, Business Kyneton, U3A, Cobaw Health, regional tourism groups and various local businesses took part.
“Projects we would like to see include job creation in the industrial, commercial, tourist and residential sectors,” Mr Schaefer told the Express.
Among the projects Mr Schaefer mentioned as a loss to the Macedon Ranges was a proposed multi-million dollar equine centre that council abandoned in 2017.
At the time, council withdrew its agreement to pursue a partnership with the state government and industry to produce a full business case, and approved the removal of the Macedon Ranges Equine Strategy as a reference document from local, state and federal government policy development.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau questioned why a business development manager was recruiting candidates.
“This could be specific interests wanting to control council for their own purposes,” she warned.
