Macedon Ranges Shire Council
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Council throws off “blanket solution”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council calling for the Victorian Government to hit pause on sweeping planning reforms they fear will shake the Ranges. Under the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025, Victoria’s new homes, duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments will not require notice and there will be no third party appeals. It also seeks…
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Plan to reclaim old station aired
The old Riddells Creek Fire Station could become home to local groups like the Men’s Shed and Lions Club if the Victorian Government backs a new plan for its revival. Macedon Ranges Shire Council has recognised the site as a potential haven for ‘homeless’ community-strengthening clubs as the town’s population is soon to double. “When…
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Demolition day arrives for skatepark
It’s been 11 years in the making and now works on a new Romsey Skatepark are finally under way. Lancefield Romsey Lions Club has been a key driver of project and celebrated the milestone last week as demolition works began. Long-serving Lions member Ged McLaughlin said the community began campaigning for a new skatepark in…
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Deer control to begin
The impact of increasing feral deer populations has put control of numbers in the spotlight. Parks Victoria will, this week, begin its night deer control program in Macedon Regional Park with licensed and professional shooting contractors. Deer are an introduced species and Parks Victoria recognises they “pose significant risks to native biodiversity, water quality, public…
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Shoe recycling proves a hit
Kyneton Shoes and Accessories is encouraging locals to recycle shoes that are past their prime. Owners Andrew and Geraldine Ramselaar said that, in partnership with Macedon Ranges Council, they were excited to offer a recycle option for shoes that would otherwise be thrown in the bin. “We encourage people to donate good pre-loved shoes to…
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Open space plans open to feedback
Destination-level open spaces, use changes for existing sites and new open space areas are among plans highlighted in the draft Macedon Ranges Open Space Strategy. Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire Council endorsed release of the draft document for community consultation for four weeks, launching in early October. The strategy outlines how the council plans to…
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Antisemitism confronts Gisborne
A bridge in Gisborne received a swift paint job after upset residents walked along a footpath underneath and were confronted with antisemitic graffiti on its structure last Tuesday morning. The bridge’s pillars were spray painted with swastikas, cartoon drawings of faces with exaggerated noses, and statements – “f**k Israel” and “Jew scum” – on the…
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Autumn Festival to go big
The Visitor Economy team at Macedon Ranges Shire Council has unveiled the 2026 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival poster with artwork by Chris ‘Roy’ Taylor. Preparations are already well under way for the biggest and best Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival yet – highlighting a month-long celebration across nine villages on April 1-30. The release of the…
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Public toilet thefts costly
Vandals stealing copper wire forced closure of five public toilets across the Macedon Ranges last week as another tourist-centric toilet was closed over lease concerns. Macedon Ranges Shire Council reported closure of toilets at Sankey Reserve (Gisborne), Ross Watt Reserve (New Gisborne), Stanley Park (Macedon), Campaspe Park (Woodend) and Kyneton Botanic Gardens following significant vandalism…
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Riddell to double in size
A controversial development set to double the size of Riddells Creek has been approved by Victorian Government powers against local council and community wishes. The Amess Road development will create 1360 homes for 3808 new residents on 131.8 hectares, despite substantial push-back from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and residents. Last week, Mayor Dom Bonanno said…
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Reserve plan funded in good time
It didn’t make the budget but now Macedon Ranges Shire Council has found unspent funds for a Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve master plan. Last week, councillors agreed to allocate leftover Community Funding Scheme funds of $37,779.27 to the master plan project. The current plan for the reserve is more than 16 years old and no…
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Tighter leash on free dog walking
A group of dog owners are barking back at a proposal to shorten the off-leash Campaspe River Walk Track. Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s review of ‘Dog off-leash and prohibited areas for dogs and cats’ proposes to shorten the track, to stop off-leash dog walking from the Piper Street Bridge to Jennings Street. Kyneton resident Julius…