News
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Buddhist temple refused
A Buddhist temple and assembly hall has been refused for Gisborne South following strong community backlash. Macedon Ranges Shire councillors voted 7-2 in favour of the 52 objectors who aired concerns surrounding loss of amenity, neighbourhood character, increased traffic, sewerage and impacts on local waterways. The Lao Buddhist Society of Victoria’s application sought to build…
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Power to community – Woodend wind energy project gets go ahead
A community wind energy facility at Woodend has been given the go ahead following the state government’s approval of a planning scheme amendment to facilitate the project. The Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group is developing the community energy park project, which is expected to include wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage. The project will help…
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The harp electric!
Mary Doumany has performed in some of the world’s grandest opera houses and concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House and Albert Hall in London. But those who have not yet had the privilege of hearing the incredible harpist perform will get an opportunity to do so next month in Kyneton. A Kyneton local herself,…
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Firies back tower
Emergency warnings and communications are expected to improve for the previously fire-ravaged Benloch as Telstra moves to install a second telecommunications tower. Telstra has proposed a mobile telecommunications network base station at Feeneys Lane under the Victorian Mobile Black Spot Program, and local firies are backing the move. Benloch Fire Brigade captain Gary Deer said…
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Protecting precious species
The unassuming little basalt peppercress plant, a nationally endangered species, is being given a new chance of life at the iconic Hanging Rock Reserve. As a result of funding from the state government, Newham and District Landcare group is propagating and planting the nationally endangered basalt peppercress and the matted flax lily. The two species…
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Business park controversy
Controversy now surrounds a plan to expand New Gisborne’s business park. New Gisborne residents are petitioning Macedon Ranges Shire Council to re-think the proposal that will see about 29 hectares of Rural Living land rezoned for industrial and commercial development. Resident Linda Amarant said the plans were “soul destroying” and encouraged people to voice their…
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Getting the message across
An inspirational and thought-provoking address by renowned mental health advocate Wayne Schwass took place in Woodend’s Buffalo Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Schwass, a former champion AFL footballer, battled silently with depression for much of his sporting career and now heads the Puka Up organisation which plays a key role in raising awareness about mental health,…
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Get your head around climate
Understanding climate change impacts at a local level is the focus of a public information session coming up at Maldon next week. All are invited to attend the Understanding Climate Impacts presentation taking place at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday evening, February 28. “It came out of our strategic planning process that we did last…
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RAR welcomes medevac
Local refugee rights advocates are welcoming last week’s historic medevac vote in federal parliament but say more needs to be done to treat those seeking asylum in Australia humanely. Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine members are welcoming the historic medical evacuations legislation that establishes new conditions by which sick people on Nauru and Manus Island…
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$10M for sports precinct
An elected Shorten Labor Government will invest $10 million in stages one and two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct. Shadow Minister for Sport Senator Don Farrell made the commitment at the New Gisborne site before an excited crowd on Friday with local Federal MPs Rob Mitchell and Lisa Chesters. The project evolved from…
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Soil scientists share knowledge
Landowners in the district can gain a better understanding on soil management by attending a free workshop hosted by the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network on an olive farm in Edgecombe. Soil scientists Christian Bannan from South East Soil and Water, and Melissa Cann and Martin Hamilton from Agriculture Victoria will bring their wealth of knowledge…
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Glenlyon entries open
Glenlyon and District Pony Club is in full swing in preparation for its annual horse trials on Sunday February 24. Whenever the club holds this event, riders travel from all across the state to take part in the competition, which involves three phases over the day including a dressage test, show jumping round and a…