LAST week’s Macedon Ranges Council meeting brought a positive result for residents of Lancefield impacted by the Development Plan Overlay 24 (DPO24).
Impacted residents were strong in their opposition to the new topic of discussion about the town’s structure plan, which appeared in the agenda without any community consultation.
Multiple residents told the Review that they felt it was a political push from some within the council, throwing allegations that the State Government had something to do with it.
It seemed to have been another delay and distraction from the removal of DPO24, which is keeping residents feeling locked into their properties.
The structure plan was brought up in council to help reshape the future development of Lancefield and potentially change, keep or grow DPO24.
Point two of the motion was looking to defer the structure plan further to the council meeting in April 2027 so the community can have proper consultation, and the election can be settled.
“I think we also need to be clear that community consultation is a strong element in both proposals,” Cr Andrew Scanlon said.
Councillor Daniel Young said he was confused as to why it was put on the agenda, when there had been no discussion of the issue since he had been on council.
“I’m a little confused and uncertain about a lot of elements here because up until the last couple of months or last couple of weeks even, there’s been no conversation around a structure plan for Lancefield,” he said.
“Certainly, in the time that I’ve been on this council, it hasn’t been raised as a need independently of DPO24.”
Councillors divided over structure plan
Cr Anderson brought the issue to debate, saying that although DPO24 is not working, it shouldn’t be a reason to defer and “kick the can down the road” and miss out on potential funding from the State Government.
“The council position currently is we agree with the community that DPO24 is not working and that it is potentially stifling some development that community members are concerned about where it’s at, at the moment.”
“We run the risk that if we defer it, we may not get that funding again.”
“I do not like deferring things, because sometimes it is really just missing an opportunity, as I know some councillors said here it’s often kicking the can down the road.”
She asked the Lancefield community to be respectful and to come from a common place when deciding on the future of Lancefield.
Councillor Joseph thought the item was rushed onto the agenda, without consultation with the community.
“I was quite concerned when I saw this proposal and the fact that there had been no consultation with affected parties in relation to it.”
“If the current government wishes to remove the DPO24 then they can do so now, we’ve asked them a couple of times.”
“So I can’t assume that a structure plan will actually remove DPO24 and solve the problem.”
“For me the choices are clear, remove DPO24 or modify it so it does not cause detriment to those who have had it imposed upon them.”
Mayor Councillor Cassy Borthwick was split between the decision of pushing the structure plan back until April and implementing it straight away, saying “kicking the can down the road”, as previously been mentioned, is a really uncomfortable and risks associated with that cause me significant concern.”
The Review contacted both the current Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny and Mary-Anne Thomas, who provided identical quotes regarding the issue, attributable to a government spokesperson.
“Victoria is building thousands of more homes than any other state and leading the nation when it comes to first home buyers – but we know there is more to do.
“We will continue to work with Macedon Ranges Council to unlock more homes where they are needed most.
“While the Liberal One Nation Coalition try to block homes from being built, we are making it easier for young Victorians to enter the housing market.”
Macedon Candidate and former MRSC Mayor Annette Death commented on the situation, saying “‘I support the removal of the DPO24 planning overlay from Lancefield. I know this issue well and as Mayor I spoke out against the overlay.”
“In August, I organised a visit with the Minister for Planning to the Macedon Ranges to advocate to the Minister for the overlay removal,”
“I will continue to support my community and will advocate for the overlay to be removed as soon as possible.” Ms Death said.
It was also mentioned that Macedon Ranges Shire Council has not proposed replacement planning controls or formalised a request for departmental assistance to progress an alternative pathway, although this has been discussed with them.
Mayor Borthwick said this in a statement to questions the Review asked the MRSC:
“The voices of those directly affected by DPO24 have been important in shaping Council’s advocacy on this matter over the years.
“While there is not yet a resolution, those discussions have highlighted the need to carefully consider how any future changes support both affected landowners and the long-term future of Lancefield as a township.”
“Through Council’s ongoing advocacy on DPO24, an opportunity emerged to seek funding for a Structure Plan for Lancefield.”
“It was about creating an opportunity to strategically examine existing planning controls, including DPO24, alongside the broader planning, infrastructure and community needs of the township, informed by evidence and community input.”
“The funding opportunity was intended to support the development of a Structure Plan for Lancefield.
“While Council recognised the potential value of that opportunity, councillors also saw merit in taking additional time to better understand the priorities, aspirations and concerns of the broader Lancefield community.”
