News
-
Who will seek re-election?
Six of Macedon Ranges’ current nine councillors have confirmed they will seek re-election in October and one will bow out after serving 12 years. Roger Jukes, one of the longest serving current councillors, told the Express he would be “retiring from local government at this election” after chalking up three terms. “Although there is still…
-
FARM DECISION OVERTHROWN
Macedon Ranges Council’s decision to refuse farmland development for a small-scale farm venture at Woodend North has been overthrown by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The proposal sought to build a house and large shed on 6.2 hectares at 130 Russells Lane to support a speckle park cattle breeding pursuit with about 10 cows.…
-
Newstead’s solar farm plan
Plans for a small-scale solar farm, big enough to generate enough electricity for Newstead, have opened for public review. Renewable Newstead, the community group behind the plan for a solar farm of up to 10 megawatt, said the planning permit application was a great step towards its goal of delivering affordable and reliable renewable energy…
-
Conservation partnership blooms
Mountain Distilling has struck a partnership with conservation group ‘aTree’ with a shared vision to restore and protect Australia’s forests. The Mount Macedon distillery has commissioned a planting of more than 3000 native trees on dedicated conservation land in Victoria through the ‘aTree’ program, beginning this month. Linking with aTree, which launched in late 2019,…
-
‘Pay it forward’ balloons bring joy
Birthday parties may be out during the pandemic but one recurrent house guest has likely attended more celebrations in the Macedon Ranges than anyone at this time. A cheerful balloon garland has made its way to about seven children’s ‘iso’ birthdays and shows little sign of feeling flat as families continue to pass on the…
-
Marnie rises to the challenge
Woodend’s Marnie Thorsen is a ‘bloody legend’ in the eyes of the Mito Foundation. She has been named in the top 30 individual achievers for the Bloody Long Virtual Walk after raising more than $1700 for Australians living with mitochondrial disease. The event challenged participants to walk or run 35km during August 1-10 to raise…
-
GemLife Woodend in bid to expand
GemLife Woodend is seeking to extend its over 50s lifestyle resort with an additional 19 homes to the west, which one objector fears may impact neighbourhood character and amenity. The 9720m² extension would take in abutting land at 29-33 Sullivans Road resulting in an overall development of 245 dwellings, a manager’s residence and recreation facilities.…
-
Get your ISO scarecrows ready!
While the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival has been postponed, a favourite part of the event can still be enjoyed by the inventive Kyneton community in 2020. In view of Stage 3 restrictions until at least mid-September, the much-loved scarecrow competition will take place after lockdown finishes. Festival secretary Marg Dearricott said there would be…
-
A host of golden daffodils…
Longtime Newstead locals Peter and Lilian Skillbeck have more than 2000 excellent reasons to look on the bright side of life. Earlier this year, around the time news of COVID-19 was starting to really hit home hard, Peter decided it would be a great idea to purchase a couple of thousand daffodil bulbs. “The Kyneton…
-
‘Coldie’ hits at Woodend
A “weak tornado” ripped through a farm at Woodend last Thursday afternoon. The unusual weather system whirled through a paddock about 5.30pm. The tornado was short lived and only affected a small area, but it tore through hay bales, throwing them into the air and leaving a small trail of damage in its wake. Bureau…
-
Hens rescued in Cobaws
Three hens found boxed and abandoned in the Cobaw Ranges have been given a second chance at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Lancefield. Local residents examined the suspicious box to discover the ISA brown hens inside while out for a walk with their dogs. They were determined to bring the hens to safety. A fourth…
-
Gisborne fight not over
Opponents to Gisborne Business Park’s expansion fear their voices have fallen on deaf ears as the proposal lives on in Macedon Ranges Council’s draft Gisborne Futures project. More than 300 residents petitioned council last year to scrap the plan that seeks to expand industrial and commercial activity to Saunders Road by rezoning Rural Living land.…