Macedon Ranges’ unique character and iconic status to be ‘protected’

THE State Government has promised to protect the Macedon Ranges from inappropriate development and maintain its “great character”.

The State Government has promised to protect the Macedon Ranges from over-development.

THE State Government has promised to protect the Macedon Ranges from inappropriate development and maintain the shire’s “great character”.

The vow comes after Planning Minister Richard Wynne joined Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas at a public meeting in Gisborne last night to announce the government would accept all 12 recommendations of the Macedon Ranges Protection Advisory Committee.

Community feedback to the committee identified key concerns as urban and township growth, expanding settlement boundaries and encroachment onto rural land.

Mr Wynne said he would introduce legislation in Parliament to protect the region’s unique character and boost local jobs.

“The Macedon Ranges has a significant past and we’re ensuring it has a promising future too,” he said.

“This is all about balancing the need to accommodate more population and protecting the region’s great character.”

Ms Thomas said the moves would protect the environmental values of the Macedon Ranges.

“We’re lucky to live in one of the most picturesque destinations in Victoria, and we’re going to make sure it stays that way.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PLEDGE? Has it gone far enough? Do you believe it will happend? Comment below.

The government will work with the Victorian Planning Authority and Macedon Ranges Council to implement the recommendations.

Macedon Ranges Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the council was looking “forward to working with the Victorian Government and the community to ensure the Macedon Ranges can continue to be enjoyed by residents, businesses and visitors — both now and by future generations”.

Macedon Ranges Residents’ Association secretary Christine Pruneau was delighted with the outcome.

“It is a major step forward and means Macedon Ranges is on its way to again being formally recognised at state level and protected as a ‘special’ place in Victoria, as it was in 1975,” she said.

Ms Pruneau said the shire had been “frenetically pro-growth, pro-economic development and pro-development council that has been pursuing all of the things that have long been identified as damaging to the area’s natural resources and environment”.

“The process underway will again identify this place as fragile, where protection of the environment is the first priority in decisions and actions.”

The MRRA has been seeking planning protection at state level for more than 16 years, meeting seven ministers, and numerous others, during that time.

“Many have been impressed with the minister’s commitment,” Ms Pruneau said.

“The government is keenly aware that strong protection – towns, heritage, environment, landscapes and rural land – has widespread community support, that Macedon Ranges has a highly engaged community, and that there are high expectations for this protection to be delivered.

“We believe the State Government’s intention is to have it in place before the next state election in 2018.”

Reform recommendations include:

LEGISLATION to protect the iconic and historic region

A MACEDON Ranges localised planning statement, prepared in consultation with relevant stakeholders including Registered Aboriginal Parties

ENSURING settlement boundaries are informed by policy and strategic work

REVISED planning controls applied to the Mount William Stone Hatchet Quarry

REVIEW of the application of the vegetation protection overlays across the Macedon Ranges Shire

CLICK HEREto see the committee report and 12 recommendations in full.