Victorian Government
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Drought takes a toll
Michael O’Sullivan can’t remember a period of drought as challenging as the one we are now experiencing. Together with his sons, Martin, John and Anthony, the Baynton farmer breeds sheep and cattle on close to 3000 hectares of grazing land. Like many other farmers, they have had to shed stock to survive. “I’ve been through…
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Farmers under pressure
Fourth generation Gisborne sheep farmer Tom Neal could be the last in his family to work the land. He doesn’t like to think that but admits it’s a possibility he faces as more and more challenges emerge for Victorian farmers. After months of drought and dry conditions across most of the state, the latest obstacle…
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Levy topic still hot
Farmers and rural councils continue to push back against the Victorian Government’s controversial emergency services levy despite news of a reprieve for farmers. On May 30, the government announced it would cap its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy at the 2024/25 rate for primary production properties for the 2025-26 financial year. Hitting pause for…
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Riddell rec lights up
Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve can now be in play after dark following completion of significant lighting upgrades. The upgrade included three new 30-metre light towers built – and an existing mobile phone tower utilised for a lighting add-on – across a three-month construction period. Macedon Ranges Mayor Dom Bonanno expressed his excitement and gratitude at…
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Bright future for tennis
Another significant lighting upgrade – this time at the New Gisborne Tennis Club – is now completed, expanding opportunities for night-time competition and casual hits. Macedon Ranges Shire mayor, Cr Dom Bonanno, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and user group representatives were among those at Ross Watt Reserve on Friday evening to officially mark the project’s…
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‘Hung out to dry’
ESVF tax going to hurt The Victorian Government’s controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund passed parliament last week despite heavy objection from CFA volunteers, farmers and rural councils. The more expensive ESVF tax replaces the Fire Services Levy and will be charged alongside council rates from July 1. While the tax helps fund vital emergency…
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Memorial gates to be restored
The heritage-listed Malmsbury War Memorial gates will be restored to their former glory. Friends of the Malmsbury Gardens and Environs has secured a $27,492 grant from the state government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour 2024-25 program. The memorial was built in 1922 as a tribute to the “brave men who enlisted in…
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Tackling modern slavery
Victorian politicians were given a wake-up call at a recent Speaker’s Breakfast when told modern slavery is almost certainly happening in every electorate in Victoria. Legislative Assembly Speaker Maree Edwards MP organised The Speaker’s Breakfast at Parliament House. The event was part of a series highlighting key community issues and the organisations actively addressing them.…
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Tax confusing and ‘haphazard’
Macedon Ranges’ accommodation providers have been navigating new obstacles since the Victorian Government introduced its Short Stay Levy in January. The 7.5 per cent tax applies to short stay accommodation (under 28 days) with its revenue to support social and affordable housing. The tax also aims to encourage more people to use their properties as…
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Council seeks answers on school site
The Old Kyneton Primary School site remains fenced off one year on from its scheduled redevelopment completion date, and Macedon Ranges Shire Council is seeking answers. The Victorian Government invested $12 million for the Baynton Street site for community use with a gallery space with areas for community groups by March 2024. Speaking at council’s…
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Kitchen garden grows
Kyneton High School has partnered with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and successfully secured a $50,000 grant from the state government to grow a kitchen garden. The project is one of 84 recipients who successfully outbid over 600 applicants to receive a share of $4.87 million from VicHealth. A spokesperson from VicHealth said this application…
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Gisborne open space push
A small but valuable parcel of land could provide Gisborne with much-sought open space if Macedon Ranges Shire Council can acquire it. The 4.5 acres at 120 Aitken Street was donated to the local primary school for use as a pine plantation and bird sanctuary in the 1920s. At that time, 18 local families and…