THE State Government has approved a new community development in the Macedon Ranges, overturning Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s (MRSC) refusal last year.
In April 2023, councillors rejected the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) at Riddells Creek, citing 1,231 signatures of opposition and concerns about the scale and character of the proposal. Developer Banner Asset Management instead applied through the Development Facilitation Program, which fast-tracks decisions on priority projects.
The approved plan will transform a 131-hectare site on the town’s north-eastern edge into more than 1,360 homes, potentially housing 3,800 residents. It also includes a community centre, upgrades to the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, new CFA station, and improved road connections and crossings.
Mayor Dom Bonanno expressed disappointment, saying the decision ignored overwhelming community opposition.
“This disregards the community’s feedback and Council’s concerns about the scale, intensity, and character of the development,” he said.
“While the site has been zoned for urban growth since 2017, development must remain sustainable and reflect the unique rural character of Riddells Creek. Council must now facilitate the PSP but will hold the developer to account and continue to advocate for the community.”
Population in Riddells Creek is forecast to grow by 2,000 over the next decade. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the project was part of broader reforms to increase housing supply.
“Victorians should have the same opportunities their parents had – that’s why we’ve introduced bold reforms to boost housing supply in areas where Victorians have been locked out for too long,” she said.
“The Amess Road Precinct will give more Victorians the chance to call the beautiful Macedon Ranges home, with access to the services they need.”
The government has also invested in local infrastructure, including upgrades to the Melbourne and Kilmore Road intersection, improvements at Riddells Creek Kindergarten and Gisborne Secondary College, and the new Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas backed the decision, adding:
“The Macedon Ranges is the best place to live – that’s why we’re unlocking more land for homes so people raised here can continue to raise their families here.”