Macedon Ranges Shire Council
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Romsey aged care to VCAT
A 120-bed residential aged-care facility for Romsey has Macedon Ranges Council’s tick of approval as it progresses to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Councillors voted 5-3 in favour of the proposal, which aims to fill a void of services in the east but threatens to extend Romsey’s town boundary. The SignatureCare facility would be…
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Protection a burden?
Proposed heritage overlays could be too great a burden on not-for-profit organisations, Macedon Ranges Shire Council has heard. Freemasons Victoria and the Coptic Orthodox Church have urged reconsideration of overlays at Woodend Masonic Lodge and Campaspe House respectively as the council deliberates its latest amendment to the heritage study. Representing Freemasons, Andrew Baird said a…
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Rock paddock still in talks
No agreement has yet been reached on the sale or transfer of Hanging Rock’s East Paddock to the state government. Valuation talks around the council-owned site have not been abandoned despite differing views, Macedon Ranges Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan indicated last week. “The council continues to work collaboratively with the state government on its desire…
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Council raises voice on nuclear weapons
Macedon Ranges has joined the call for the federal government to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The council last week joined 36 local councils to pass a motion in support of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Cities for Peace Appeal. Spearheading the move, Cr Annette Death…
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Riddell planning in council hands
Riddells Creek’s controversial Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan will remain in the hands of Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Last week councillors voted for the council to remain the responsible authority on the PSP against council officer recommendation to pass powers to the Victorian Planning Authority. East Ward councillor Annette Death said it was important to…
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Farm ‘shed house’ rejected
A Malmsbury cattle farmer has been denied a permit to continue living in his shed turned ‘man-cave’. Travis Bruni was seeking to legitimise the new home on his 22.7ha property to farm an Angus and Hereford breeding herd. Macedon Ranges Shire councillors heard the shed, at Youngs Road, evolved into an illegitimate residence over about…
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Feedback sought on Hanging Rock plan
Feedback has opened on Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s updated Environmental Management Plan for Hanging Rock.The plan will continue environmental works, such as weed control and revegetation, and focus on enhancing the site’s vegetation and habitat. Ecological restoration specialists, Practical Ecology, updated the plan funded by the Victorian Government.The plan builds on the work outlined in…
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Farmer wants a home
A Malmsbury cattle farmer is fighting to make his shed turned ‘man-cave’ into a legal residence. Travis Bruni is seeking permanent residence to farm a purebred Angus and Hereford breeding herd and fodder production.He said his shed at the Youngs Road property gradually evolved into a residence over 18 months as he found increased presence…
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Festival fail – Tourism drawcard leaves much to be desired
This year’s Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival wound up in the gutter with the leaves, local residents have complained.The festival, aiming to boost tourism and local trade earlier this year, has been criticised for being “poorly developed, poorly communicated and lacking in business participation”. “[It] left the community as a whole bewildered. We have to do…
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Council error to VCAT
“Extension by stealth” is how some objectors have described changed operating conditions for Holgates Brewhouse’s discovery centre and beer gardens. Macedon Ranges Shire Council has admitted to lifting two planning conditions that controlled operating hours and alcohol consumption at the Woodend venue, without community consultation. When in place, the conditions restricted visitor centre and garden…
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Clubhouse condition critical
Woodend golfers are urging action to bring their dilapidated clubhouse up to building code or for demolition to rebuild.Last year, Macedon Ranges Shire Council set aside $200,000 to bring facilities up to scratch but members report little movement. “We haven’t seen any evidence of that money being spent,” Woodend Golf Club secretary, Barney Hearnden said.“The…
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Communication breakdown?
Residents cut off from power and telecommunications for days in June’s storm are questioning Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s communications with residents in emergency.Web, social media and phone proved ineffective means of communication for thousands of residents cut from power for between one to six days. “We were cut off from power and running water for…