The Victorian planning minister Richard Wynne late last week introduced a Bill into state parliament designed to protect the Macedon Ranges from what he has called ‘inappropriate development.’
Considered one of Victoria’s most picturesque settings and a renowned food and wine region, as well as containing the now-infamous Hanging Rock geological formation, the Bill will provide a model for how other parts of Victoria can be protected from development that is no in line with what the area needs.
The Victorian government says it will work with the public on the draft Macedon Ranges Localised Planning Statement, thereby “ensuring the policy reflects the community’s vision for the future of Macedon Ranges.”
“This includes settlement boundaries around townships in the area, ensuring development doesn’t encroach on valued natural and rural landscapes.”
The settlement boundaries will apply to the townships of Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Woodend, which will be subject to the same rigorous protections as Melbourne’s permanent Urban Growth Boundary.
These areas will also require parliamentary approval to amend their protections.
The Victorian government established the Macedon Ranges Protection Advisory Committee in 2015 to work with the community and the council on how best to protect the Macedon Ranges.
All up, the Macedon Ranges Protection Advisory Committee made 12 recommendations, with the state government accepting each and every one of them.
