RESIDENTS, community groups and visitors are invited to have their say on the draft Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan, which is now open for consultation.
The plan outlines how the precinct will be protected and managed into the future, as well as showing improvements and updates that will be completed to tackle issues with increasing visitor numbers and climate change.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the plan was designed with involved groups’ best interests at heart.
“Victorians love Hanging Rock, that’s why we are planning for its future and protecting its unique natural environment so we can ensure it continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come,” she said.
“This plan will ensure issues facing the area including increasing numbers of visitors and the challenges of climate change are addressed.”
As part of the plan, the precinct will be re-vegetated to provide a habitat for native wildlife. Activities around Hanging Rock will reflect its historical value and be focused on recreation and education, as well as demonstrating its significance to Victoria and Australia.
New car parks, picnic areas, trails, and a visitor information centre are included in the plan, as well as a new entrance from Straws Lane.
A new conservation area will be constructed inside the racecourse and the existing concert and event space will remain largely the same.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the plan was created through consultation with the community, traditional owner groups, user groups and visitors to ensure the key values of Hanging Rock were understood.
“In collaboration with Traditional Owners, the master plan will ensure visitors can continue to visit Hanging Rock while managing impacts to the natural environmental and cultural assets of this iconic place into the future,” she said.
In 2018, the State Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council approved the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to help protect the area. The master plan has been developed to show how the strategic plan will be implemented over the next 20 years.
Consultation is open until February 28. To view the draft plan, visit engage.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock-master-plan.
The final Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan is expected to be completed in June 2022.
