Macedon residents impacted by this year’s Autumn Festival visitation crowds have criticised the local council for its management of the event.
One resident said the council had closed a section of Honour Avenue for the pedestrians and had crossing guards in place.
“Bad luck for the people who live there,” she said.
“Along the section of the avenue that is still open for traffic, these visitors are parking under the avenue trees, treating the trees as a playground and also walking along the road, they don’t care about the cars.
“This invasion of people on this avenue is the worst, the crowds arrive before 8am and are still there after 7pm.”
The resident said the people who came to the avenue had no interest in the fact that it was a memorial for the soldiers who volunteered in the First World War.
“It is part of the Anzac memory, it should be respected. It is also a state heritage listed Avenue of Honour.”
The resident has lodged a complaint with the Minister for Veterans Affairs and also with Heritage Victoria over potential damage to the trees.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, said council acknowledged the concerns and frustrations of residents who had been directly impacted by the “unprecedented number of visitors” to Honour Avenue and surrounding areas during this year’s autumn period.
“Favourable weather conditions, combined with Anzac Day services in the area, resulted in an unexpected number of visitors to the townships of Macedon and Mount Macedon,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“This time of year usually sees an influx of visitors as people come to see the beautiful foliage which makes our region so special.
“However, on some specific days this year, we had a significantly higher number of visitors than anticipated.”
Mr O’Sullivan said council wished to reassure residents that previous feedback was taken on board in planning for this year, and that traffic management measures and extra amenities were provided to minimise the impact on residents and safely guide visitors.
“Council officers did their utmost throughout the period to implement these measures as best possible, given the large number of people,” he said.
“Council is committed to the ongoing support of residents and will review this year’s management actions, together with partner agencies, as is done each year after the autumn period.”
