Macedon Ranges Shire Council
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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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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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Residents ‘aren’t stakeholders’
Gisborne residents are furious with the mismanagement of a development site that has hindered their daily life for the past six months. About 700 people live in the streets adjacent to an estate being developed, titled Rosalia, which is expected to build 861 dwellings near Gisborne’s town centre. At a ‘pop-in’ meeting for residents to…
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News story becomes elevator pitch
An out-of-service and broken elevator in a council building left a senior citizen unable to compete in her bi-weekly table tennis tournament for the entirety of this year. “I’ve been trying to get it fixed since the beginning of this year, and I’ve just given up,” the senior said. The Express asked the Shire, “Does…
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Cat containment plan delayed
A plan to enforce 24-hour domestic cat containment across the Macedon Ranges is now not expected to begin until 2029. Macedon Ranges Shire Council voted to prolong introduction of the change by one year to allow residents more time to prepare. Extending the time would also include investigation of options to ease the cost and…
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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…