Riddells Creek
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‘Urban jungle’ rejected
Amy Hume Riddells Creek has been given reprieve from controversial development plans that could double the town’s population. Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire councillors unanimously rejected progression of the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan in its current form. The move went against MRSC planning officer advice but heeded the overwhelming community catch-cry that “the town’s…
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Arrests over stolen firearms
Two men from Riddells Creek and two from Bullengarook were among eight people arrested after detectives uncovered a cache of stolen firearms and a treasure trove of stolen goods last Thursday. Following a three-month investigation, detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad and officers from the K9 Unit executed a series of search warrants and…
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‘Rural identity not for sale’
Amy Hume Riddells Creek residents challenging the density of a residential development say the rural identity of their town is not for sale. The developer-led precinct structure plan includes the development of 131.8 hectares north of Amess Road identified for future growth. Residents say changes to the plan increase the development beyond the 1290 lots…
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Housing green light for Riddell
A hotly debated 10-unit development for Riddells Creek got a green light at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last week. Plans for the 4551sqm site at 4 Richardson Street had been disputed for overdevelopment and inconsistency with neighbourhood character. The proposal had council officer approval but community dissent sparked an online campaign and 17…
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Axeman on the way up
Riddells Creek arborist Zac Giouzelis has proven his precision and speed in claiming bronze at Stihl’s Timbersports Australian Rookie Championship. It was the 22-year-old’s debut Stihl event at the Gold Coast earlier this month and he was excited to share the podium. Curtis Bennett (NSW) won the Rookies Championship gold and Mitch Scrivener claimed silver.…
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Bid for state acquisition
Amy Hume State acquisition of Riddells Creek’s Barrm Birrm could preserve threatened flora, provide community open space and fix bungled planning of the past. Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling on the Victorian Government to purchase the remaining privately owned lots of the area to fast-track its protection. Spearheading the move last week, councillor Annette…
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Dedicated to dance
James McDonell is a name to watch. The Riddells Creek dancer has joined The Australian Ballet Company’s Regional Tour in his graduating year at The Australian Ballet School. The 19-year-old has been perfecting his technique for the stage following two years of pandemic lockdowns and uncertainty. He is excited to finally share his passion and…
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Rising netball stars state reps
Two rising Macedon Ranges netball stars have been selected for the Under 12 School Sport Victorian netball team. Riddells Creek’s Tilly Allen and Romsey’s Grace Miles will represent the state in the national championship at NSW in September. Both girls gave impressive performances during the rigorous trial process to make selection. They are two of…
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Mobile disruption for Riddells Creek
Riddells Creek residents may notice some disruption to Telstra mobile coverage this week, as NBN installs new fixed wireless antennas on Telstra’s 35m high mobile tower located near Sutherlands Road. Telstra regional general manager, Steve Tinker, said the NBN work would require the mobile base station to be turned off while their technicians were working…
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Promises to fix mobile blackspots
New Optus and Telstra mobile phone base station sites will be built at Gisborne South. The federal government announced funding for the blackspot area last week, and election pledges also revealed Woodend is in sight for improvements. McEwen Labor incumbent Rob Mitchell and Liberal candidate Richard Welch have pledged to work with the community and…
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On snow gum watch
Dieback identified in snow gum populations on Mount Macedon and surrounds have been flagged as a cause for concern. Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said the snow gum had been identified as a target species to monitor. She said the council wanted to develop a better understanding of where they occurred, and their population health.…
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Fight on for mental health
Scott Trezise admits he’s “a bit old to be making a debut” in boxing but he’s proving age is just a number. The 53-year-old is also stepping into the ring for a cause close to his heart: mental health awareness and support. His first professional fight on March 19 will help raise funds for Lachy’s…