Feedback has opened on Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s updated Environmental Management Plan for Hanging Rock.
The plan will continue environmental works, such as weed control and revegetation, and focus on enhancing the site’s vegetation and habitat.
Ecological restoration specialists, Practical Ecology, updated the plan funded by the Victorian Government.
The plan builds on the work outlined in the 2015 Environmental Management Plan and the 2018 Hanging Rock Strategic Plan, which gives priority to protecting and enhancing the site’s environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage values.
Council’s planning and environment director Angela Hughes said following the launch of the 2018 Strategic Plan, $3 million in funding was provided for the implementation of the Hanging Rock Strategic Plan over three years.
“This project is being undertaken alongside a Victorian Government project to prepare an Aboriginal Conservation Management Plan for the site, which assesses the Aboriginal cultural values of Hanging Rock and requirements for management of the area,” she said.
“Both projects will inform the preparation of a master plan for the site, and I encourage residents to have their say.”
Feedback is sought on the key management directions proposed for the updated Environmental Management Plan, which include:
– Establishment of new ‘connectivity zones’ that will be targeted for progressive revegetation while maintaining public access for recreation.
– Preparation and implementation of a Pest Animal Management Plan.
– Establishment of a planned burn program for ecological, cultural and fuel management outcomes.
– Accessing specialist advice about kangaroo management aimed at reducing the grazing pressure on the site’s native vegetation.
– Implementation of restoration strategies in the core conservation zones.
– Development and implementation of a flora monitoring plan and expansion of fauna monitoring activities.
– Adjustments to existing fuel management zones and fuel management practices to minimise bushfire risk.
– Maintenance of the current number and intensity of public events, with no increase.
The draft updated plan will be available for public feedback until 5pm on August 25.
Visit the council’s website at: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
