THE future of Hanging Rock lies in the hands of the newly elected Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), made up of three community representatives and an independent chair.
The group will be responsible for advising Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio on appropriate management of Hanging Rock.
The three community members include Bryanna Sandercock, Steve Wroe and Dermot Henry, while the independent chair role calls on John Nevins.
Traditional Owners from the Wurundjeri, Taungurung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples, have each been invited to nominate a representative to be part of the MAG.
This will help the MAG ensure the aspirations of Traditional Owners and community interest groups are considered in all decision making regarding Hanging Rock.
To implement high priority actions in the rock’s strategic plan over the three years, the group will receive $3 million for the process.
This may include environmental protections, greater recognition of Hanging Rock’s ancestral and cultural significance to Traditional Owners and enhancing recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
Selection of the community members was based on a public expression of interest process and the independent chair was directly appointed by the Minister.
The group includes nine positions: three individual community representatives, independent chair, representatives from Traditional Owners, DELWP Loddon Mallee regional director and Macedon Ranges Shire Council chief executive.
“Hanging Rock is one of Victoria’s most significant natural assets and the Victorian Government is committed to protecting the site for current and future generations,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“Appointment of the Ministerial Advisory Group demonstrates the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting Hanging Rock’s cultural, natural and environmental values well into the future.”
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated the group.
“I congratulate the new MAG and know their number one priority will be to help protect this iconic place for future generations to enjoy,” she said.
“The MAG will ensure the aspirations of Traditional Owners and community interest groups are considered in all decision making for the strategic management of Hanging Rock.”
