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Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 14 :: September 2015
Page 3Macedon Ranges in spring
Page 11 Hanging Rock works update
Page 12Your Councillors
Our roadsides: a delicate balance
Page 5
Be prepared for the fire season
Next stage for town structure plans Page 7
Congratulations Once again, this year’s Youth Awards have shown how our young people continue to do many amazing things in our community. There were over 114 nominations across 16 categories.The Youth Awards is an opportunity for the community and Council to celebrate the contributions that young people make, and acknowledge their many and varied achievements.For the list of categories and 2015 winners, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth-awards
201 5
Page 02 :: Youth • Seniors Festival • Tourism
Primary students in the Macedon Ranges will be getting active with friends and family this October as they walk to and from school for VicHealth’s Walk to School month.
With the help of a $10,000 VicHealth grant, Council is pleased to be supporting local schools and families by delivering local Walk to School activities and initiatives that support ongoing active travel.
Walk to School encourages primary students to build healthy habits for life, and highlights the many benefits of walking for children, from improving fitness to building friendships, and even reducing traffic and pollution.
With plenty of competitions and great prizes up for grabs for students during October, Walk to School is a free, easy and fun way for kids to get the sixty minutes of exercise they need each day.
To find out more, contact your child’s school or visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au Local schools can get involved by contacting Meghan on 5422 0264.
Walk to SchoolSwap traffic time for together time
The Macedon Ranges heat of the 2015 FReeZa Battle of the Bands was hotly contested with performances from Ex Marks the Spot, Callan McLeod, Petrichora, Velvet Soufflé and more.Local trio Mosey took out first place with Point of No Return and This is a Prison coming equal second.Mosey will now go on to compete in the regional finals of the Battle of the Bands to be hosted locally on Sunday 27 September, 6pm at the Kyneton Town Hall.This event will be hosted by Council and The Set List, a new regional touring opportunity for young emerging musicians.For more information or to book tickets, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au, contact Natalie on 0439 642 192 or email [email protected]
Mosey wins local Battle of the Bands
Page 03
The Macedon Ranges comes to life in springWith things to do and places to see all over the region, here are five must-dos to get you out and exploring in your own backyard:• Wander through our diverse gardens or nurseries in springtime bloom
or visit an open garden during the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival held 3–13 September.
• Pick up a walk or ride guide from one of our Visitor Information Centres and enjoy a tranquil walking trail, or cycle your way through a forest.
• Visit a boutique cellar door; sample a local white or red wine during the Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Festival held 14–15 November 2015.
• Watch the world go by while dining outside a local café or in an award-winning restaurant.
• Take a scenic drive to one of our nine charming villages and stop off at a local farmers market.
To find out what else is on offer, contact 1800 244 711 or visit www.visitmacedonranges.com
Visit facebook.com/MacedonRangesNaturallyCool
Naturally CoolFacebook pageDo you live locally and like to ride? Share your favourite trails and stopovers.Are you a local tourism business? Let us know what your guests can do when they visit our region.The Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool Facebook page provides links and news on tourism events happening in the Macedon Ranges. Everyone is invited to share what they love about the region: their food and wine experiences, cycling destinations and more. Tourism businesses are also encouraged to promote their fantastic array of experiences.
2015 It’s your timeThe Seniors Festival is on again and festivities begin in Melbourne during the first week of October. Exciting activities and events will be held locally by several community groups for the remainder of the month.For more information on any of our Seniors Festival activities, contact Council’s Healthy Ageing Engagement Officer on 5422 0258, via [email protected], or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/seniorsFor more information about the Victorian Seniors Festival, visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
The votes are inHanging Rock on TripAdvisorHanging Rock has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor. Now in its fifth year, the award recognises destinations that consistently earn great reviews from travellers.As well as earning a 4.5 star rating from TripAdvisor, Hanging Rock’s visitor numbers have increased by 15 per cent over the last 12 months.The reserve is open every day (except Christmas Day) between 9am and 5pm. Entry fees are $4 per pedestrian and $10 per car. Regular visitors can also purchase an annual pass for $64 that can be used during normal operating hours, excluding major event days.To find out more about Hanging Rock, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock, drop into a Visitor Information Centre in Kyneton or Woodend, or call 1800 244 711.
Free classesKyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre are looking forward to supporting the 2015 Seniors Festival.During October, the following classes are free for senior citizens:• Gentle Aerobics • Gentle Aqua• Heartmoves • Strength for HealthFor more information, contact Karyn on 5421 1477, via [email protected] or visit mrsc.vic.gov.auSee voucher for additional free class on back page.
:: Threatened species • Tidy up • Women in emergenciesPage 04
Photo credit: Peter Johnson, Department of Environment. Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
Book nowTo register or for more information on either of the above workshops, contact William on 5421 9674 or via [email protected]
Wor
ksho
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Owls in the rangesAt the top of the food chain, owls play an important role ensuring forest ecosystems are healthy.Extensive removal of forest habitat has seen a reduction in many owl species across Australia. The threatened Powerful Owl is sometimes encountered in bushland areas in the Macedon Ranges. The largest of the owl species in Australia, they hunt for possums and gliders over large home ranges.Hear more about owls at our Bird Week talk on Saturday 17 October from 2pm–4.30pm in Woodend.
Bookings are essential (see below).
Threatened species in the spotlightThe Brush-tailed Phascogale or Tuan is a locally significant species.Extensive land clearing and predation by feral animals has made it difficult for this unique carnivore to survive.
Did you know?• Tuans devour insects and small birds in the forest canopy.• After an intense mating period, male Tuans die before they
reach one year of age.• In spring, females can be spotted carrying their young on their back.
To hear more about other animals on the brink of extinction, join us for a forum on Saturday 19 September from 2pm–4.30pm in Newham during Threatened Species month.
Bookings are essential (see below).
Photo credit: Bronwyn Isaac
Page 05
Tidy up for summer nowSpring is the perfect time to tidy up for the fire season. Sometimes residents contact Council to ask, “What work should I do?” Here are some simple guidelines to help.Land size up to 10 acres (40,000 square metres):• Mow, slash or graze all long grass over
the entire property prior to summer.• Remove straw, firewood and flammable
goods away from the house and sheds.• Ensure an emergency vehicle (truck) can
enter your driveway by clearing all low hanging branches to a height of 4.5 metres from the ground.
• Remove any woody weeds. For example, gorse and blackberry.
For land size greater than 10 acres:• Mow, slash or graze areas around houses
and sheds for a distance of at least 30m from buildings.
• Consider creating wide ‘fire breaks’ (slashed lines of over 30 metres) close to major roads, neighbours’ houses, community infrastructure and residential areas.
• Investigate planting crops that will remain green during the summer.
• Ensure tanks and dams can be accessed by fire trucks.
A ground-breaking new plan that aims to prevent violence against women during and after emergencies in the Macedon Ranges has been commended by the International Federation of the Red Cross.The action plan will trial and assess a range of strategies in partnership with other agencies over a 12 month period to build a culture of preventing violence before it occurs in an emergency context.
Evidence shows that violence against women increases after a disaster. There was four times as much intimate partner violence reported in the US following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, while New Zealand police reported a 53 per cent increase in call-outs to domestic violence incidents over the weekend of the 2010 Christchurch earthquake.
A sub-committee of representatives from Council, Victoria Police, CFA, Save the Children, Red Cross,
VCC Emergency Ministries and the community was formed under Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee to develop and implement the plan.
The committee will explore how agencies involved in emergency planning, response and recovery can consider gender norms and differences in the work that they do, and how they may contribute to family violence.
The plan builds on Council’s role as a partner in the Central Victoria Prevention of Violence Against Women initiative, which aims to build a ‘whole of community’ approach to preventing violence against women.
The Red Cross intends to share the plan with its disaster teams and other disaster management authorities across South-East Asia. It is the first plan of its kind to be developed by local government in Victoria, and possibly Australia.
“What you have achieved is currently the most inspiring and best practice in terms of harmonising emergency response work with gender analysis and the reduction of violence against women.”
May Maloney, Gender and Diversity Advisor, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Women in emergencies: plan commended
:: Business development • Strategic planningPage 06
Business events
Business eventsHome business morning teaTuesday 15 September, 10am19 High St, LancefieldCost: $10 for non-members
Social business networking nightMonday 30 November, 6.30pm–9.30pm89a Piper St, KynetonCost: $35
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events to book your place, or for more information, contact 5421 9616.
New equine industry training program to be trialled in the Macedon RangesResidents considering a career in the racing industry will soon be able to participate in an innovative training program being developed and trialled in the Macedon Ranges.The program will include content such as career options, and occupational health and safety within the industry.It will address actions in our equine strategy and respond to training needs identified in an Industry Training and Skills Needs Analysis undertaken by Council and the Macedon Ranges Education, Employment and Training Network. Council partnered with the Kyneton Community and Learning Centre, Racing Victoria, the Harness Racing Industry Training Centre and the Kyneton Hanging Rock Race Club to secure Victorian Government funding of $47,100. The overall project cost of $55,000 includes Council funding of $5,000 and in-kind support.Hosting the program will showcase our region, the industry and our trainers, and place us in the box seat for future racing industry training when it is rolled out state wide.For more information, contact Boyd on 5421 9615 or via [email protected] racing
Page 07
Implementing our structure plansAmendments C98, C99, C100, C103 and C105The Kyneton, Riddells Creek and Woodend structure plans set out the vision, strategies and actions to accommodate projected population growth in each town.Council has prepared a series of planning scheme amendments that formalise these structure plans. The amendments translate the priorities identified in each structure plan into detailed planning controls and policies.
For the residential areas of each township, the proposed controls aim to improve the current siting and design standards for future development to ensure new houses integrate with their surrounds. This includes an 8 metre mandatory height limit in most residential areas, and limits to subdivision in some locations where a low level of change is envisaged.The controls will help to create certainty for planning permit applicants and the community.
The amendments will be on public exhibition during September and October. A series of drop-in sessions are planned where you can hear more about the proposed planning provisions and how you might be impacted.
For more information and to download the amendment documents, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
New vision for Mount Macedon village centreCouncil adopted the Mount Macedon Village Centre Study at its June meeting.
New town welcome signsCouncil has commenced upgrading welcome signs at 17 locations across the shire, with a fresh design to showcase the unique landscape characteristics of each town.Many of these signs, which were installed seven years ago, have now reached the end of their expected lifespan and are showing visible signs of wear and tear, affecting their visibility to motorists. Some have been severely damaged or lost to fires in the region.
The recommended lifecycle for these signs, as per VicRoads standards for visibility, is seven years. To maximise resources, a new sign panel will be applied to the existing sign posts and rails.
The signs are personalised to each town with the use of an image from the local area, and comply with VicRoads design and siting requirements. They are an important place identifier for both residents and visitors to the shire.
Welcome to Malmsbury
One of the study’s key recommendations is to rezone the village centre to reflect the existing commercial uses and allow the potential for small-scale change.Council is proposing to rezone the village centre to a Special Use Zone which will limit the range of uses, the extent of change that can occur, and will manage the design of new development. The proposed change is reflected in the study’s vision for Mount Macedon village centre and will balance the needs of residents and visitors, and respect the character of the village.
Design guidelines will be prepared to inform future development in the Special Use Zone and there will be further community consultation followed by a planning scheme amendment.Submitters and attendees at previous study consultations will be notified and invited to participate in the development of the design guidelines.For more information on the study, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/village-studies
Roadsides and fire riskFires start on roadsides due to hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions. Council slashes high use roadsides to reduce the chances of these incidents resulting in a fire. Typically 80 per cent of traffic uses 20 per cent of our roads. It makes sense to limit the cost to ratepayers by slashing these roads as a priority.Note: slashed roadsides are not effective firebreaks, particularly in extreme conditions and high winds.The best way to protect your home is to maintain your property and leave early, long before flames are visible. Slashing your roadside is not an effective way to reduce fire risk to your property.
Have you ever wanted grass slashed, weeds treated, fallen branches removed, or overhanging trees cut back from a roadside in the shire? Perhaps you’ve been concerned about fire danger, driver safety, or the general appearance of your roadside.Council, VicRoads and residents all have a role to play in maintaining and protecting our roadsides. In large rural areas like the Macedon Ranges, this can be complex and resource-intensive to manage.
With limited resources, we need to strike the right balance between making our roads safe for drivers, preventing fires from starting on our roadsides, and protecting our natural environment. We also need to comply with native vegetation regulations.
In urban areas, roadsides are landscaped to enhance the aesthetics of our towns. In rural areas, we focus our resources on community safety and environmental biodiversity.
Why protect biodiversity along our roadsides?Native animals move through the landscape for breeding, foraging and migration. Rural roadsides provide food, refuge and protection from predators.Rare, threatened and locally significant flora species grow on our roadsides. Mowing or removing vegetation can favour grassy weeds and reduce plant diversity.
Page 08 :: Managing roadsides
Maintaining our roadsides—who does what?
Council is responsible for 1,700km of roadsides in the Macedon Ranges. That distance is equivalent to driving from Melbourne to Brisbane!
VicRoads and Council: who manages what?VicRoads is responsible for roadsides along freeways and major roads between townships.Council manages all other local roadsides in the shire.To find out if a road is managed by VicRoads or Council, visit maps.vicroads.vic.gov.au
What does Council do?Safety• We slash about 1,000km of Council roadsides and treat
weeds in the lead up to the fire season, targeting high use roads near grasslands and township boundaries.
• We inspect our roads to ensure clear and safe passage for vehicles. Each road is assigned a priority that determines the frequency of our inspections.
• We remove fallen branches and foliage that encroach on our roads, and slash or prune vegetation for visibility.
• We issue licenses and permits for roadside activities such as grazing, construction of driveways, planting of trees, fencing or collection of firewood.
Biodiversity• We conduct weed control and occasional revegetation
on our roadsides.• We work with environmental groups and partner
agencies to manage high conservation roadsides. • We issue permits for lopping or removal of
vegetation on Council roadsides.
Appearance• Our rural roadsides, with their diversity of native
vegetation, trees and animals, are an attractive feature of our rural environment and part of what attracts residents and visitors to the region.
• We routinely prune vegetation and mow grass along main roads in township areas. Council does not mow residential naturestrips, or maintain roadsides for aesthetic reasons in rural areas.
What can (or can’t) you do?On Council roadsides in rural areas, can I…Remove trees, shrubs, grasses or branches?Not without a planning permit (a local laws permit is required for collecting firewood).
Graze livestock?Not without a local laws permit.
Plant trees or other vegetation?Contact Council, as a local laws permit may be required.
Construct a fence adjoining a roadside?Yes, but if you plan to remove vegetation in the process, you may need a planning permit.
Construct a driveway or other infrastructure?Not without a valid permit (an asset protection and/or local laws permit may be required).
On naturestrips in urban areas, can I…Mow my naturestrip?It is your responsibility to mow your naturestrip, however if you live in a rural area, you may need a planning permit.
Remove native vegetation?Not without a planning permit.
Remove a street tree?Contact Council, who will assess whether the tree needs to be removed.
Landscape, or plant trees or other vegetation?Any alterations to your naturestrip currently require an asset protection permit. However, Council is preparing a naturestrip policy that will provide further guidance on these activities.
Page 09
Maintaining our roadsides—who does what?
:: Major projects • Hanging Rock updatePage 10
Kyneton Showgrounds Female change roomNetballers and female footballers will soon have a dedicated change room at the Kyneton Showgrounds. The existing shed next to the netball court will receive a fit out funded with $23,400 from the Victorian Government’s Local Facilities for Local Clubs Program. This project includes in-kind support of $23,400 from the Kyneton Football Netball Club.
Power upgrade and lightingCouncil will soon begin preliminary works to upgrade the power supply to the showgrounds. Project funding includes $200,000 from the Victorian Government, $70,000 from the Kyneton Football Netball Club, and $270,000 from Council. As part of the project, lighting will be installed at the netball court and showground one. Upgraded power will be supplied to showground two for future planning.
Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend updateMajor oval drainage and surface works have now been completed. With only minor works outstanding of the $800,000 project, the ground is on target to be opened and ready to go for the first ball of the 2015/16 cricket season.
Dixon Field pavilionThe design of a new $880,000 sports pavilion at Dixon Field in Gisborne is almost complete. The project will go out to tender in the coming months with the goal of being constructed before the start of the 2016 winter soccer season.
Major projects
Gisborne Bowling Club new rinkWorks continue on a new $400,000 synthetic bowling rink at the Gisborne Bowling Club. This includes a Victorian Government grant of $100,000 from the Community Facilities Funding Program. The Gisborne Bowling Club is contributing $300,000 to the project. Works are expected to be completed in time for the summer season.
Riddells Creek Reserve change roomsWorks on the change rooms at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve have been completed. They include a new change room for netballers, a new kiosk and unisex umpire rooms. The $135,000 project includes funding of $90,000 from the Victorian Government’s Country Football Netball Program. The Riddells Creek Football Netball Club is providing funding and in-kind support totalling $45,000.
Page 11
Main ReserveCompleted works• Replacement of the footbridge• Lighting improvements and electrical
upgrades to the main reserve • Resurfacing of roads behind the
Discovery Centre and to the main shelter car park
• Rabbit proofing under buildings and other pest control works
• Installation of a new ticket entry system
• Replacement of all barbecues.
Works underway• Upgrades to the main toilet block,
including a new accessible toilet and a family-friendly toilet
• Design of main entrance road upgrade
• Design of second toilet block upgrade• Review of design guidelines for new
infrastructure (e.g. seats, tables, bollards). Replacement of picnic tables and seats will occur once the design guidelines have been reviewed.
East Picnic GroundsCompleted works• Resurfacing works on roads• Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
Works underway• Design and construction of two
visitor shelters including toilets, barbecue, and car parking
• Levelling and landscaping of stage and surrounds in main event area
• Upgrades to the main entrance road• Landscaping works at the viewing
mound and small amphitheatre• Planting of more than 1,000 trees• Design works have commenced
on lighting, water and power supply points.
An Environmental Management Plan for the whole reserve is also underway.For more information on funding breakdowns, heritage works, environment initiatives and Hanging Rock project site plan, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock
Improvements to Hanging Rock are well underway. These projects are funded by the Australian and Victorian governments in partnership with Council.They will upgrade the ageing infrastructure at Hanging Rock and enhance the overall visitor experience at this popular natural attraction.
Works update
:: Your Councillors • Council news, jobs and meetingsPage 12
Your CouncillorsCr Sally PiperSouth WardCommunity health and wellbeing is an issue that cuts across almost every service that Council provides, and an area where Council can have the greatest impact on its local community.Our Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee has input into many matters
that come before Council. They met again in August to consider our Environment Strategy, and Early Years and Positive Ageing plans. I would like to thank this dedicated group of local residents for the valuable feedback they have given Council on these and other matters.
Suicide prevention is an area in which Council has long been a proactive leader and community partner. Through the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group we are helping members of our community to implement initiatives that build community capacity in preventing and dealing with suicide. Most recently, members of the action group and local community members have been mentored through the Jesuit Support After Suicide Program so they can provide support services after suicide in their local area.
The second Macedon Ranges “Out of the Shadows” walk will take place on Sunday 13 September at 9am at the Woodend Children’s Park to remember those who have lost their life to suicide, and to show support for those who are living with a mental illness or caring for someone with a mental illness. An incredible 200 people attended the first walk last year, so we hope to see another strong turnout this year.
Through Council’s annual grants program, we are able to support an amazing diversity of local community projects that support health and wellbeing. In July we held a celebration with community groups who were awarded $180,000 for 57 projects. In the South Ward these included conservation and recreation projects for three local Friends groups—Daly Reserve, Wyralla Reserve and Jacksons Creek.
Many sporting groups in Gisborne and Macedon were also given a boost to programs or infrastructure, with grants awarded to the Gisborne Basketball Club to run skills sessions for coaches and players, the Gisborne Cricket Club for a new shelter at Bullengarook Reserve, and the Macedon Ranges Running Club for fun run equipment.
Cr Roger JukesWest WardAs winter draws to a close, we can all start hoping for some warmer weather in the Macedon Ranges. Each season in the shire is beautiful in its own way, but each brings its own challenges too. Some are glad for the chill to be over, while others such as our
farmers have welcomed the rain over winter, and will be looking for more in the coming months. It has been great to see the barometer at the showgrounds rising as the Kyneton Football Netball Club tackles the fundraising for the community contribution to the much-needed showground one lighting project. Please get behind them and assist wherever you can.
We are working towards a more secure future for equine activities in Kyneton as we embark on a rezoning of the equine precinct near the racecourse, subject to community comment. This project was a recommendation in the Kyneton Town Structure Plan and is consistent with our equine strategy which aims to support the economic and social contribution that the equine industry makes to our region. Kyneton residents can also expect to be called on soon for feedback on a proposal to rezone the Kyneton pool site for residential use.
Lots of great West Ward projects were supported in Council’s budget for 2015/16 including finalising the refurbishments of the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre, the extension of the Campaspe River shared path and town structure plans for Kyneton and Woodend. The Kyneton Community Park project is also progressing well as we finalise heritage permits to commence works. Thank you to Kyneton Rotary for donating money to the park.
It is great to see the partial opening of Black Hill Reserve after the devastating fires earlier this year, and some important local roads being upgraded in and around Kyneton including Tylden Road, Spring Hill Road, Baynton Road, and the intersection of Lauriston Road and Harpers Lane.
With spring on our doorstep, it’s time to usher in the annual Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival. I hope you’re looking forward to this as much as I am. It’s one of our region’s best community events, so I encourage you to come along.
Jobs@CouncilWhat’s the best way to find out about job vacancies at Council?All Council jobs are advertised on our website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/jobs and on seek.comJobs are no longer advertised in full in local newspapers—instead we list only the position titles of current vacancies in our fortnightly newspaper columns (see above).
Page 13
Council news in your local ragCouncil now has a regular fortnightly news and events column in two of the shire’s local newspapers, the Midland Express and the Star Weekly.Keep an eye on page 6 of these newspapers to stay up to date with Council projects, events and consultation activities happening in your town, and the broader region.Council also now places a monthly column in the Romsey and Lancefield Free Press.The new columns respond to recent resident surveys, which suggest that local newspapers are one of your preferred methods of receiving Council information.They keep the majority of Council news in one central spot in the newspapers—a more cost-effective approach that also makes Council information easier to find.We will also continue to distribute Council news via your town’s monthly or bi-monthly community newsletter.
What’s on the agenda? Council meetingsWe’ve changed our internal processes so that Council meeting agendas can be released earlier to the public.You can now find out what’s listed at a Council meeting from 5pm the Friday before the meeting (instead of Monday at 12 noon). Council meetings are held on a Wednesday.This gives you more time to find out what’s being considered, before a decision is made.Council meetings are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7pm. Special Council meetings are held when urgent matters arise.Meeting dates and agendas are available online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/meetings or in Council service centres.
Cr Henry McLaughlinEast WardThe third year of Council’s four-year plan is well underway, with lots of great projects in the East Ward funded in this year’s budget.Young people in Lancefield will see their long-awaited skate park constructed, while young
families in Romsey will soon enjoy the fun of a new outdoor play space at the Romsey Kindergarten, and the convenience of a new pram crossing at the intersection of Main and Kathryn streets.
Riddells Creek residents will see many years of planning that have gone into a visionary document for their town implemented into the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme. A key action of the Town Structure Plan is to rezone the land north of Amess Road (Area 4 in the plan) and south of the railway line (Area 5 in the plan) to allow for residential growth, delivering required land supply to the town.
There has been a lot happening at Hanging Rock recently (see page 11 for more information), and Council has been helping the Victorian Government with a review of its future management. Council and the Victorian Government have been managing Hanging Rock in partnership since the late 1800s so there is a long history of us working together that we hope to build on through this review. We want the best outcome for the Rock so that it continues to thrive as a tourist destination and a place of ecological and cultural significance.
Whatever the outcome, we hope that the review of Hanging Rock will build on the work that Council has done in recent years to upgrade facilities and bring more visitors to the Rock.
Congratulations to our Youth Award winners and all those who were nominated—there are so many inspiring young people in our shire and we hope that these awards give them the confidence to aim high and go far in their future endeavours.
:: Drains • Rates • Subscribe to eNewsPage 14
Drains and guttersWith spring upon us, it’s a good time to check that your gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains are clear of leaves and debris.Houses can be significantly damaged by water entering the building from blocked gutters, or by pooling of water caused by broken downpipes and drains.
Check your downpipes for cracks, and joins for signs of water leakage.
Stormwater must be directed away from buildings and discharged to Council’s stormwater system. On larger rural properties, stormwater may be directed within the property to a dam, watercourse or absorption trenches, provided it will not flow onto adjoining properties.
For more information on drainage, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/drainage or contact Council’s Building Services unit on 5422 0333.
Your rates at workOver the next few months, the following projects from Council’s 2015/2016 Capital Works Program will be delivered:Roads and footpaths• Road widening works in Kyneton-Springhill Road to
improve road safety• Sealing works on McGregor Road, Gisborne between
Panorama Drive and Coney Court to improve the service standard for the residents on this road
• Construction of connecting footpath projects to improve pedestrian safety:– Mount Gisborne Road, Gisborne between
Carinya Drive and Glenton Court– Stawell Street, Romsey between Main Road
and Pohlman Street– Raglan Street, Lancefield between High and
Dunsford streets– Bruce Street, Macedon between Victoria Street
and Macedon Kindergarten– Victoria Street, Kyneton between Market and
Lauriston streets.
CarparksCarpark upgrades at the senior citizens, kindergarten, and maternal and child health facilities in Riddells Creek are currently underway. They will include the construction of 24 sealed car parking spaces, three of which will be accessible to people with disabilities. Improved footpath links will also be provided to allow users safe access to the facilities.Construction will be completed by November 2015.
McGregor Road sealing works
Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centresfacebook.com/GisPoolGym
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centrefacebook.com/KynPoolGym
Macedon Ranges Arts & Culturefacebook.com/MacedonRangesArtsCulture
Macedon Ranges Emergency Alertsfacebook.com/MacedonRangesEmergencyAlerts
Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Networkfacebook.com/MacedonREIN
Macedon Ranges Naturally Coolfacebook.com/MacedonRangesNaturallyCool
Macedon Ranges Youthfacebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
Subscribe to eNewsReceive updates on Council projects and services direct to your mailbox. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters and subscribe to one or more of the following:• Aquatics and Leisure: fitness classes, sporting activities,
lane availability, swim lessons, school holiday activities and membership specials.
• Arts and Culture: arts and cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, and funding opportunities in the Macedon Ranges.
• Business: events, support and other opportunities for businesses in the Macedon Ranges.
• Disability: Council programs and local service providers that cater to people with a disability.
• Environment: environmental projects and events happening in the shire.
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You can contact Council by: Phone 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577*Email [email protected] mrsc.vic.gov.auPost PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444* Our 1300 number offers residents living in
the south of the shire the ability to contact us without incurring an STD call rate.
Visit one of our service centres:40 Robertson Street, Gisborne 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton96−100 Main Street, Romsey Cnr High and Forest Streets, Woodend.
Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Council through the National Relay Service:
• TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users
phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Internet relay users connect to the NRS
(see www.relayservice.com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333.
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Instalment reminder notices will be sent
prior to each instalment date.
If an instalment is not paid by the due date
it will be charged with penalty interest.
Instalment dates for 2015/16 are:
• 30 September 2015
• 30 November 2015• 28 February 2016
• 31 May 2016
You can pay your rates online with Visa or Mastercard
via Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments
If you have any questions about rates
payment methods, or if you have difficulty
paying your rates on time, contact the
Rates department on 5422 0322.
Mulch
Vouc
her
Present this voucher at one of our transfer stations and receive 50% off a mulch purchase of 1 cubic metre.Limit one voucher per household.Discount is for trailer loads only.Valid until 31 December 2015.
For opening hours of our transfer stations, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au or phone 5422 0333.
Vouc
her
Cat trap Weekly hirePresent this voucher when you return our cat trap within 10 days of hire and we will waive the weekly hire fee.Limit one voucher per household.Valid until 30 November 2015.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 14 :: September 2015
East Ward
Cr John LetchfordMobile: 0401 682 [email protected]
Cr Russell Mowatt (Deputy Mayor)Mobile: 0418 531 [email protected]
Cr Sally PiperMobile: 0400 865 [email protected]
South Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson (Mayor)Mobile: 0408 273 [email protected]
Cr John ConnorMobile: 0412 870 [email protected]
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 [email protected]
West Ward
Your
Cou
ncillo
rs
Cr Henry McLaughlinMobile: 0400 028 [email protected]
Cr Ian EllisMobile: 0400 025 [email protected]
Vouc
her
Limit one voucher per person.Valid until 30 October 2015.
Free aqua aerobics for seniors Cr Graham Hackett
Mobile: 0408 287 [email protected]
Attend one of Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre’s free Senior Festival classes during October, and present this voucher to receive a free pass to an aqua aerobics class.
Our roadsides: a delicate balance
Next stage for town structure plans Page 7
