Macedon Ranges ’damaging growth plan’ slammed
A NEW policy meant to protect and conserve the Macedon Ranges has been savaged for being a land grab that will see towns double in size.
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A NEW policy meant to protect and conserve the Macedon Ranges has been savaged for being a land grab that will see towns double in size.
The draft Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) sets protected settlement boundaries and investigation areas for towns expected to grow including Kyneton, Riddells Creek and Lancefield to prevent inappropriate development.
If passed, these boundaries will be subject to the same protections of Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary and will only be able to be altered with the approval of both houses of State Parliament, a first for regional Victoria.
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Despite angst in the community, Macedon Ranges councillors accepted the state policy, in a 7-2 vote, at a special meeting last week but requested several changes.
It wants ministerial guidelines created before the policy comes into effect, for stakeholders to work with the council to develop a work plan and funding program and prior to the rezoning of land, a precinct structure plan must be prepared.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson, who voted against, said everyone agreed that legislation that protected the Macedon Ranges was required but further clarity was needed.
Ms Anderson said the settlement boundaries weren’t consistent, certain suburbs should be prioritised and Statement of Planning Policy No. 8 (which made protection of the Macedon Ranges the focus of decisions and actions) should be acknowledged.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association claims the SPP sets weak, vague aspirations and a damaging growth plan in concrete as policy for the next 50 years.
Association secretary Christine Pruneau said the Macedon Ranges would be turned into a metropolitan urban growth area, with towns double in size.
“It provides less protection, not more, for our towns, character, landscapes, heritage, rural land and environment than we have now,” she said.
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“It’s an urban growth plan of epic proportions pushing Sunbury-scale urban development into Macedon Ranges on an unprecedented scale”.
Ms Pruneau said the policy would add more than 800ha to the region giving landowners, and development and real estate interests, an enormous benefit.
Community consultation showed most were concerned about settlements, water catchments and supply, transport and landscape.
Off the back of the consultation the settlement boundary for Woodend will be redefined so it aligns with the current township boundary.
Settlement boundaries for Gisborne and Romsey are yet to be declared and Kyneton will be elevated to a regional centre.
The Government didn’t respond to questions before Leader’s deadline.
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au to reade the report and see the maps.
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