Significant native vegetation is earmarked for removal in a proposal to restore views to Melbourne from Mount Macedon Memorial Cross.
Built in the 1930s, the cross is considered one of the most significant war memorials in Victoria but decades of growth have altered its original view lines.
Parks Victoria’s viewscape project seeks to clear up to 2.3 hectares of native vegetation in Macedon Regional Park including a small area of rare snow gum regrowth.
“The cross was originally designed to be visible from the surrounding countryside and to have sweeping views over the plains towards the city,” Parks Victoria’s application stated.
“There is a heritage covenant over the Memorial Cross Reserve which outlines the expectation that views can be enjoyed from Melbourne and looking out from the cross.”
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Committee of Management Chairman David Mann said the project had support of the committee and the veteran community.
“This (viewscape project) is not inventing something that hasn’t happened before. It has been done many times before – unfortunately now it has been let go,” he said.
“The cross is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant site for remembering all those who served – past and present. It’s the second-most important memorial in the state… The view to and from the cross is important.”
While the proposal would restore views to and from the cross, some residents have questioned the environmental cost.
The Victorian National Parks Association said the proposal was “unnecessary and disproportionate as it involves clearing of unique and important habitat”.
“VNPA has the utmost respect for our Diggers and notes the importance of the memorial cross and its importance as a place of reflection, however, we hold great concern about the impact of the works,” VNPA’s Ben Gill told the Express.
“The snow gums are a remnant species from the last ice age and are under threat from severe weather events and a changing climate. This species is typically expected to be found in alpine areas at the snow line and any patches in western Victoria are rare and very important.”
Funding for the project was issued through the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Grant Program.
Macedon Ranges was the first distinctive area declared for protection under the Planning and Environment Act but some residents have still question the region’s level of protection.
In a statement issued on Friday, Macedon Ranges Residents Association said the Parks Victoria proposal was contrary to the Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy and compromises claims that Macedon Ranges is protected.
“The state government and local MP Mary-Anne Thomas say they have protected Macedon Ranges… If some of the most important vegetation on some of the most dangerous slopes can be destroyed to improve views for tourists, then the Act and the Statement don’t seem worth the paper they are written on.
“The implications of this application are widespread. If the ‘protection’ provided isn’t working, it’s not just Mount Macedon in jeopardy, the shire’s environment and towns aren’t protected either.”
Parks Victoria expects works to begin on the proposal in late February to early March. A list of frequently asked questions about the project has been posted to its website.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is now advertising the proposal (PLN/2022/388) and seeking submissions.
