Macedon Ranges Council
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Protection nod too late
An independent planning panel has found heritage protection was “appropriate and justified” for Bunjil Creek bridge, which was dismantled for Gisborne roadworks in March. Regional Roads Victoria reneged on an in-principle agreement with Macedon Ranges Council to protect heritage features to progress intersection works on Melbourne/Kilmore Road. The bridge was removed before permanent heritage protection…
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Green light for roadhouse
Macedon Ranges Council has approved plans to relocate and upgrade the Carlsruhe BP roadhouse to create a freeway service centre. The move is described as a significant upgrade for the 1970s facility with improved facilities, EV charge-points, more truck parking and parkland area. Design duplicates that of Longwarry’s Caltex/Hungry Jacks service centre off Princes Highway.…
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Festival giveaways open
Getting into the autumn spirit could win you a prize in the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival’s Autumn Wreath Giveaway. Macedon Ranges Council is offering $200 gift certificates from Macedon Ranges Produce to entice local businesses and residents to hang an autumn wreath on a shop window, front door or gate. The Instagram giveaway requires entrants…
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Romsey reshape
Romsey is slated to become a large district town but exactly how it will look is still up for discussion. Last week Macedon Ranges Council began seeking community feedback for a new Romsey Structure Plan to shape the town’s future. The plan will determine how the town develops, considering provision for infrastructure, environmental constraints and…
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Trees upcycled
Macedon Ranges Council is upcycling trees felled by the June 2021 storm, milling them into stakes to boost council planting programs. The council uses stakes in botanic gardens, parks, reserves, and street tree planting programs to help newly planted trees grow by giving them support and protection, leading to a greater chance of survival into…
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Farm build right threat
A strategy aimed at protecting productive agricultural land in the Macedon Ranges is being challenged by farmland owners. The local council’s draft Rural Land Use Strategy will scrap existing rights of landowners to build a dwelling in the Farm Zone on land of 40ha or more, which farmers fear will create barriers and uncertainty about…
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Autumn festival for Ranges
An inaugural Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival aims to put a spotlight on everything great about the Ranges to draw people back to the region. Macedon Ranges Council’s director of planning and environment Angela Hughes said the council had been looking for new and exciting ways to work with local businesses and support economic recovery as…
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Talks on vacant Romsey sites?
The future of Romsey Hotel and the former Romsey supermarket could soon become clearer. The two prominent sites have sat vacant for years in key township locations and now Macedon Ranges Council is seeking discussions with the two landowners. Last Wednesday, Cr Geoff Neil requested council’s acting CEO John Nevins to open conversations with Romsey…
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Dining heads outdoors
Central Victoria will experience summer in a whole new way this year, as hospitality businesses begin to reimagine the way they work. Macedon Ranges Council is helping local businesses fast-track applications to expand outdoor dining areas and welcome back customers now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing. Being able to dine outside will be key to…
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Cyberbullying of council needs to stop
Macedon Ranges Council is calling for a crackdown on bullying and threatening behaviour online as abuse of staff and elected members increases. Councillor Jennifer Anderson called out the escalating behaviour at last Friday’s special meeting and sought greater cyber protection for local government employees and representatives. “Increasingly we are seeing people go to social media,…
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Council bid for old school site
Macedon Ranges Council will make a bid to take over part of the vacated former Kyneton Primary School site. The proposal comes as the state government moves to find an organisation or group to manage and use part or all of the 1.2 hectares of land on Baynton Street by calling for expressions of interest…
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Secrets of the past
On April 16, 1970, the Kyneton Folk Museum opened its doors to the public. Fifty years later, the building now known as the Kyneton Museum is still going strong, sharing the secrets of the past. Macedon Ranges Council is celebrating the museum milestone with a social media campaign that highlights its social history collection. Facebook…