News
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Ranges questions housing targets
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is seeking clarity on how it will achieve its Victorian Government imposed housing target of 13,200 new homes by 2051. The state government set targets for each municipality last year and warned councils they would need to unlock land for housing or it would “do it for you”. At MRSC’s ordinary…
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Hospital land splits councillors
A retirement village for Gisborne is likely to proceed on land once zoned for a future hospital in a vote that split Macedon Ranges Shire councillors. Benetas applied to build a retirement village on land bounded by Robertson, Neal and Hamilton Streets, seeking land rezoning and removal of a restrictive covenant. Humphrey Dixon donated the…
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‘Maine to host Dance Summit
Dancers, educators and dance professionals from across regional Victoria will gather in Castlemaine for a full day of movement, creativity and connection at the Regional Dance Summit on Sunday March 22. Presented by Ausdance VIC and Movement Zone as part of the Castlemaine State Festival, the Summit is designed to bring Victoria’s regional dance community…
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Ratepayers double billed
More than 1000 Macedon Ranges ratepayers with direct debit arrangements to pay their rates were incorrectly billed twice overnight. Adele Drago-Stevens, council’s director of corporate, said council was aware that a number of third-instalment direct debits for rates were incorrectly processed overnight. This may have resulted in duplicate debits to about 1040 ratepayers’ bank accounts.…
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2000 homes proposed for Clarkefield — Macedon Ranges Shire Council locked out of decision making
Plans for a 2000+ lot development could change the face of Clarkefield, and its fate now rests with the Minister for Planning. The 220 hectare development is described as “a landmark proposal that will redefine new town creation in Australia”. Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire Council called for the plans to be made public and…
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SES to host open day
Woodend SES is kicking off 2026 with a new member recruitment drive. Hoping to boost member numbers, the unit holding an Open Day to answer questions, provide insight and share experiences with interested locals. The SES is the state’s peak control agency for natural disasters such as floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. It also…
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Firies battle 45ha blaze
Firefighters battled a grassfire that burnt 45 hectares at Bullengarook last Wednesday afternoon that had residents in Bullengarook, Coimadai, Gisborne and Lerderderg on alert. More than 30 brigades turned out to with air support and Forest Fire Management Victoria to bring the blaze under control within about six hours. They continued to patrol the grounds…
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Mill returns to public life
Campaspe Mill has long captivated people with its grandeur, history and intrigue. Now, for the first time, the general public has the chance to step inside the bluestone walls and see it for themselves. This circa 1856 beauty began life as a flour mill, and after decades as a private residence, has once again returned…
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Homeless in Harcourt
Over the past month, the Express has reported extensively on the devastating loss of homes and businesses caused by the fire in the Harcourt district on January 9. Emotional, financial and practical support has been readily available to those who lost their homes, but for people who do not fit into ‘traditional’ living arrangements, those…
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New tourism brand launched
Tourism industry representatives from across the Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges, Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires descended on Castlemaine’s Boomtown Winery and Bistro last Thursday evening for the official launch of new visitor brand – ‘Victoria’s Heartland’. The unveiling marks an exciting new chapter for the region following the inception of Destination Central Victoria last year.…
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World record within reach
Angus Johnstone will next month attempt a Guinness World Record by flying a single kite continuously for 24 hours straight. The Kyneton local has set himself the ambitious goal of ‘Longest Kite Flight by an Individual’ to raise funds for health and education in Myanmar. The challenge will take place in Killarney, just outside Port…
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Fresh thinking takes root at GROW
From soil pits to succession planning, cultural burning to carbon, frog croaks to foliar fertiliser – GROW Festival invites the Macedon Ranges community to dig deep, literally! This Friday, February 20, Kyneton Racecourse and adjoining Rock House Farm will host more than 40 short, practical and thought-provoking sessions across six spaces: the GROW Lounge, themed…