Macedon Ranges Shire Council
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‘Stakeholders’ call for new candidates
A group of ‘concerned local stakeholders’ who believe the potential of the Macedon Ranges “is being constrained by current regional decision makers” has put out a call for new council candidates. Placing a classifieds advertisement in the Midland Express last week, the group stated it was “dedicated to supporting new councillors to bring innovative ideas…
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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…
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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.…
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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.…
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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.…
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Lancefield market makes a comeback
The Lancefield and District Farmers Market has been rescued by a passionate group of locals and will go ahead this Saturday at a new location: the Romsey Community Sports Oval. The market, usually held along Lancefield’s village green, has operated at Lancefield Park for the past few months to allow for greater social distancing, but…
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Property to be sold to recoup rates
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has resorted to drastic measures to recoup unpaid rates of more than 10 years on a residential Gisborne property. As a last resort, the council has gained authority to sell or transfer the property at 103 Sheedy Road under Section 181 of the Local Government Act 2020. John Hausler, council’s director…
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Residents vow to fight
It’s a problem that is well and truly on the nose … just where can all that waste from mobile homes go? Macedon Ranges Shire Council is continuing to investigate possible sites for a new recreational vehicle waste disposal point in Kyneton. The current site at Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve, a septic system, has been…
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$100M plan for Kyneton
A major commercial development proposed for Kyneton is expected to inject $100M into the local economy and provide more than 400 jobs to the community. An application has been lodged with Macedon Ranges Shire Council to develop a large service station with two fast food restaurants and a retail store on a 66-hectare site opposite…
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Old Factory plan shut down
Brakes have been applied to a controversial $4.7 million Woodend retail redevelopment plan to reimagine ‘The Old Factory’. Macedon Ranges Shire councillors have refused the proposal for 30 Brooke Street in a 6-2 vote after receiving 21 objections and six letters of support. Branded a tourist destination, the plan included a 40-stall market, 100-patron licensed…
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Airfield plan approval
A 10-year conflict over the contentious redevelopment of the Kyneton Airfield has almost drawn to a close. The airfield’s first and long-awaited Master Plan to provide clear direction for the site got a tick of approval from Macedon Ranges Shire Council last week. The plan includes sealing 150 metres of the northern runway extension, commercial…
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Hub push for funds
Macedon locals are fighting to keep momentum for a much-anticipated community hub as they face a cost blowout for the project. Volunteers are seeking $90,000 in Macedon Ranges Council’s 2020/21 budget to meet the funding shortfall for the building contract and continue efforts. Macedon’s Samara Hodson said the community had rallied behind the project and…