Shire Life
Issue 14 September 2015
Macedon Ranges Shire Council newsletter—Accessible
version
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Table of contents
Walk to School Swap traffic time for together time ............... 5
Macedon Ranges Youth Awards 2015: Congratulations ...... 7
Mosey wins local Battle of the Bands ................................... 8
The votes are in: Hanging Rock on TripAdvisor .................... 9
Victorian Seniors Festival 2015 It’s your time ..................... 10
Free classes ....................................................................... 11
The Macedon Ranges comes to life in spring ..................... 12
Naturally Cool Facebook page ............................................ 14
Threatened species in the spotlight .................................... 15
Owls in the ranges .............................................................. 16
Tidy up for summer now ..................................................... 17
Women in emergencies: plan commended ......................... 19
Business events .................................................................. 21
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New equine industry training program to be trialled in the
Macedon Ranges ................................................................ 22
New vision for Mount Macedon village centre ..................... 24
Implementing our structure plans ........................................ 25
New town welcome signs.................................................... 27
Maintaining our roadsides—who does what? ..................... 28
Major projects ..................................................................... 35
Hanging Rock works update ............................................... 38
Your Councillors ................................................................. 41
Council news in your local rag ............................................ 47
Jobs at Council ................................................................... 48
What’s on the agenda? Council meetings........................... 48
Drains and gutters .............................................................. 49
Your rates at work ............................................................... 50
Subscribe to eNews ............................................................ 52
Find us on Facebook .......................................................... 54
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Rates instalments ............................................................... 55
Contact Council .................................................................. 57
Free aqua aerobics for seniors ........................................... 59
Cat trap weekly hire ............................................................ 60
Mulch .................................................................................. 61
Your Councillors ................................................................. 62
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Walk to School
Swap traffic time for together
time
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.
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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.
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Macedon Ranges Youth
Awards 2015: 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
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Mosey wins local Battle of the Bands
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
mits@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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The votes are in: Hanging Rock
on TripAdvisor
Hanging 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.
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Victorian Seniors Festival 2015
It’s your time
The 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 sharper@mrsc.vic.gov.au, or visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/seniors
For more information about the Victorian Seniors Festival,
visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
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Free classes
Kyneton 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 Health
For more information, contact Karyn on 5421 1477, via
ksacrec@mrsc.vic.gov.au or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au
See voucher for additional free class on page 59.
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The Macedon Ranges comes
to life in spring
With 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.
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• 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
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Naturally Cool Facebook page
Do 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.
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Threatened species in the
spotlight
The 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.
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To register or for more information, contact William on 5421
9674 or via wterry@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Owls in the ranges
At 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.
To register or for more information, contact William on 5421
9674 or via wterry@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Tidy up for summer now
Spring 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.
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• 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
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Women in emergencies: plan
commended
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 violenceagainst 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
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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.
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Business events
Home business morning tea
Tuesday 15 September, 10am
19 High St, Lancefield
Cost: $10 for non-members
Social business networking night
Monday 30 November, 6.30pm–9.30pm
89a Piper St, Kyneton
Cost: $35
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events to book your place, or
for more information, contact 5421 9616.
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New equine industry training
program to be trialled in the
Macedon Ranges
Residents 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
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cost of $55,000 includes Council funding of $5,000 and inkind
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
bmaplestone@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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New vision for Mount Macedon
village centre
Council adopted the Mount Macedon Village Centre Study at
its June meeting.
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.
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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
Implementing our structure
plans
Amendments C98, C99, C100, C103 and C105
The 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
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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
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New town welcome signs
Council 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.
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Maintaining our roadsides—
who does what?
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 resourceintensive 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
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resources on community safety and environmental
biodiversity.
Did you know?
Council is responsible for 1,700km of roadsides in
the Macedon Ranges. That distance is equivalent
to driving from Melbourne to Brisbane!
Roadsides and fire risk
Fires 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.
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Slashing your roadside is not an effective way to reduce fire
risk to your property.
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
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.
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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.
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• 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.
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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.
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 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.
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Major projects
Kyneton Showgrounds
Female change room
Netballers 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 lighting
Council 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.
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Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend update
Major 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 pavilion
The 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.
Gisborne Bowling Club new rink
Works 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.
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Riddells Creek Reserve change rooms
Works 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.
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Hanging Rock works update
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.
Main Reserve
Completed 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.
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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 Grounds
Completed works
• Resurfacing works on roads
• Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
Works underway
• Design and construction of two visitor shelters including
toilets, barbecue, and car parking
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• 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
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Your Councillors
Cr Sally Piper, South Ward
Community 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
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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
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for a new shelter at Bullengarook Reserve, and the Macedon
Ranges Running Club for fun run equipment.
Cr Roger Jukes, West Ward
As 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 muchneeded 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
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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
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to this as much as I am. It’s one of our region’s best
community events, so I encourage you to come along.
Cr Henry McLaughlin, East Ward
The 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.
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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.
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Council news in your local rag
Council 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.
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Jobs at Council
What’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.com
Jobs 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 page 47).
What’s on the agenda? Council
meetings
We’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.
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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.
Drains and gutters
With 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
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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 work
Over 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:
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o Mount Gisborne Road, Gisborne between Carinya
Drive and Glenton Court
o Stawell Street, Romsey between Main Road and
Pohlman Street
o Raglan Street, Lancefield between High and
Dunsford streets
o Bruce Street, Macedon between Victoria Street and
Macedon Kindergarten
o Victoria Street, Kyneton between Market and
Lauriston streets.
Carparks
Carpark 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.
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Subscribe to eNews
Receive 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 and tourism 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.
Family: information for local families with children aged from
birth to eight years.
52
ShireLife: receive our bi-monthly newsletter and other
Council news via email. Great if you want more regular
updates or don’t receive Shire Life in your letterbox or PO
Box.
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Find us on Facebook
Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres
facebook.com/GisPoolGym
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre
facebook.com/KynPoolGym
Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture
facebook.com/MacedonRangesArtsCulture
Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts
facebook.com/MacedonRangesEmergencyAlerts
Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network
facebook.com/MacedonREIN
Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool
facebook.com/MacedonRangesNaturallyCool
Macedon Ranges Youth
facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
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Rates instalments
Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments by no
later than the due date.
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
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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.
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Contact Council
You can contact Council by:
Phone: 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577*
Email: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Website: mrsc.vic.gov.au
Post: 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, Kyneton
96−100 Main Street, Romsey
Cnr High and Forest Streets, Woodend.
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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.
If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a
large print version of this newsletter, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters or call 5422 0302.
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Free aqua aerobics for seniors
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.
Limit one voucher per person.
Valid until 30 October 2015.
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Cat trap weekly hire
Present 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.
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Mulch
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.
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Your Councillors
East Ward
Cr Ian Ellis, mobile: 0400 025 455,
iellis@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Graham Hackett, mobile: 0408 287 788,
ghackett@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Henry McLaughlin, mobile: 0400 028 507,
hmclaughlin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
South Ward
Cr John Letchford, mobile: 0401 682 364,
jletchford@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Russell Mowatt, mobile: 0418 531 281,
rmowatt@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Sally Piper, mobile: 0400 865 543,
spiper@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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West Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson, mobile: 0408 273 670,
janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr John Connor, mobile: 0412 870 500,
jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Roger Jukes, mobile: 0400 647 445,
rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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