KEY items considered and endorsed at the Macedon Ranges Council Meeting held on March 25 included its Draft Open Space Strategy.
Council adopted the Draft Open Space Strategy 2026, with minor updates, will guide the planning, management, and delivery of public open space across the Macedon Ranges for the next 10 years to strengthen policy direction on biodiversity, connectivity and equitable access to open space, while improving clarity, maps and implementation plans.
On its Quarterly Financial Report and Mid-Year Budget Review (December 2025), Council endorsed the Quarterly Financial Report for October-December 2025 and adopted the Mid-Year Budget Review to update Council’s financial position and performance.
Council also adopted a revised Procurement Policy to ensure legislative requirements are met reflecting best practice, supporting continued transparent, efficient, and value-for-money purchasing across Council.
Innovation Working Group: Council endorsed creating an Innovation Working Group. The group is a low-cost model that will help drive new ideas, continuous improvement, and strategic problem-solving across Council services as part of the ongoing program of regular briefings.
On Riddells Creek Men’s Shed Land and Facility Requests, Council supported requests from the committee regarding land and facility needs, including providing in-principle support
for direct negotiation of a lease for the site known as the ‘Police Paddock’ with an intention to resolve negotiations by November 2026 to ultimately help the group to continue providing valuable community services and social connection opportunities.
Council endorsed its Community Satisfaction Survey Action Plan.
Council adopted the Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan, informed by initial community consultation in May 2023 with key stakeholders, and feedback on the draft plan in July-August 2024 in which 83 submissions were received.
The plan guides future planning, investment, and management of equestrian facilities
across the shire.
Council also adopted the Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan. The master plan – informed by extensive community consultation, including 220 survey responses to the draft in September 2025 – sets a long-term vision for the reserve, balancing recreation, environmental values, and community needs.
Planning permits
Council considered and decided on several planning matters including:
• 38-40 High Street, 42 High Street, and 21 Dundas Street, Lancefield – Issuing a Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Permit for the use of the land for dwellings; development of the land for a mixed use development (residential and retail) comprising nine new dwellings (10 total dwellings), four new retail tenancies, and alterations (including demolition) and additions to existing shop; and reduction in car parking requirements.
Additionally, Council also received and noted two community petitions, including:
A request to replace the lift at Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre
A request seeking for Macedon Ranges to be excluded from the Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan.
Two notices of motion were also carried recommending that Council write to the Minister for Creative Industries supporting the Kyneton RSL’s proposal to establish
a Memorial Reserve, which will incorporate the existing World War I Memorial on part of the former Kyneton State School grounds;
request the CEO to prepare a report within 3 months for Council consideration, outlining a
framework and process for Council to assume the ongoing management of the Lancefield Park Precinct, which is currently managed by a Committee of Management appointed by the relevant Victorian Government department.
The reasonings and discussions behind these decisions can be found in the meeting agenda, and via the meeting recording on Council’s website: http://mrsc.vic.gov.au/meetings