ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter
Issue 37
Summer 2020
Get fire safe for summer Pages 8–9
Outdoor pools opening soon Page 3 Bins roll out, recycling update and more! Pages 6–7 Major projects update Pages 12–13
Free Hanging Rock entry Back page
This Christmas Go Local First!
Make your Christmas shopping a breeze this year by making the choice to ‘Go Local First’. With our amazing shopping strips, regional experiences, spectacular produce and accommodation options, we are truly spoilt for choice in the Macedon Ranges shire. Support local artisans and producers at the farmers markets that run most weekends in the shire, and share in the Christmas spirit at local twilight shopping nights.
KTH Kids Summer Series
To find out what’s on offer in the lead up to Christmas, visit:
mrsc.vic.gov.au/buy-local
Left to right above: Janet Leung of Ida Red, Macedon, Suzi and Tony Seers of Hedge Farm, Carlsruhe, Sam Marguccio of Cavalli Motorsports, New Gisborne. Front cover: Megan Healy of Tullus Pollock Wagyu, Romsey.
Windcrafting Make wind-inspired creations
Children of all ages are encouraged to get involved in this handson workshop exploring the creative potential of wind power. Combining art, science and design techniques, artists will lead participants through the process of making and decorating a range of wind toys such as twirlers, spinners and pinwheels. Using a mix of recycled and found materials, children will construct their own colourful masterpieces to take home. Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 January 9am–10.30am, 11am–12.30pm, 1.30pm–3pm daily $12.50 per child For more information, visit:
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mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-workshops
Kids workshops and outdoor pools
Outdoor pool season starts Woodend and Lancefield outdoor swimming pools will open for the 2020–21 summer season pending confirmation of the Victorian Government COVID-19 regulations and Council approval. Pool opening hours are determined according to Bureau of Meteorology temperature forecasts for Kyneton at 4.30pm the day prior, with both facilities open as follows:
Monday–Friday (during school holidays) and weekends • 26 degrees and above: 12 noon–6pm (possible extension of hours past 6pm, dependent on attendance and weather conditions) • Under 26 degrees: CLOSED Public holidays
Monday–Friday (during school terms)
• 12 noon–6pm
• 26 degrees and above: 3.30pm–6pm (possible extension of hours past 6pm, dependent on attendance and weather conditions)
Note: The outdoor pools and aquatic centres will be closed on Christmas Day.
• Under 26 degrees: CLOSED
For more information about opening hours and fees, and to view our temperature policy, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/outdoor-pools
Swim teacher receives award
Frog Peck, a learn to swim instructor at Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre (KTSAC), was voted the Aquatics & Recreation Victoria’s (ARV) 2020 Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety of the Year. The award recognises professionalism, dedication, passion and commitment to providing the highest possible level of tuition to children when it comes to swimming and water safety. This is the sixth time a KTSAC staff member has been recognised by the ARV with an award, and clearly shows how lucky we are to have such a professional and dedicated aquatics team. For more information on available swim classes, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
Visit or contact us Gisborne Aquatic Centre 6 Aitken Street, Gisborne 5421 1452
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre 4 Victoria Street, Kyneton 5421 1477 Lancefield Memorial Swimming Pool Chauncey Street, Lancefield 5429 1546 Woodend Swimming Pool Forest Street, Woodend 5427 2268
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Welcoming new citizens on Australia Day Maternal and child health nurses supporting families online
Our maternal and child health service is continuing to operate throughout COVID-19 restrictions providing a valuable, free service to families by alternative methods such as telephone consultations, and our new parent group sessions that have been conducted via Zoom, enabling new parents the opportunity to meet virtually. While the way our service is being delivered during this time may alter, what has stayed the same is our caring, qualified nurses supporting local families on their parenting journey. If your child requires an appointment, contact: 5422 0281 mchadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Community
Several citizenship ceremonies are held throughout the year, but none bigger than the one held on Australia Day.
Along with celebrating contributions made by our community volunteers throughout the year with our Australia Day awards, we welcome new citizens from around the world who have decided to make the Macedon Ranges shire their home. For updates on the 2021 Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremony, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/australiaday To see what’s on around the shire on Australia Day, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/events
Is your dog under effective control?
Summer is a great time to get out and about with your dog. Having reliable recall is an important part of our effective control requirements in offleash areas, and vital for your pet’s safety. Reliable recall doesn’t ‘just happen’; it requires training and lots of practice. Below are some tips from a local pet behaviour vet. • Choose a simple command word (cue) and stick to it. • Use ‘high value’ food rewards. • Don’t repeat the cue word multiple times, when your dog is not responding; this just dilutes the value of the word. • Practice frequently with minimal distractions to reinforce their response. • Avoid using the cue only to mark the end of playtime or fun. • No matter how frustrated you get, avoid punishments and reprimands. If you are unsure about your dog’s ability to respond and recall, it’s better to keep them leashed in public places. To find out where you can walk your dog off mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs leash, visit:
Strong focus on Gisborne’s future We would like to thank the community for providing feedback on Gisborne Futures draft plans. Your input will help us to refine our vision for better managing future growth in Gisborne.
A total of 647 people completed the online survey and more than 200 lodged written submissions, with 80 people attending online webinars. The project team is reviewing all phase 3 submissions and survey results for a further round of consultation in 2021. For updates, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/gisborne-futures
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Waste and recycling Bin service expands
In the first seven months of delivering our FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) service, together we have saved 4,415 tonnes of organic waste from landfill which has been turned into nutrient-rich compost used on farms, parks and gardens across Victoria. This has resulted in a reduction of over 6,900 tonnes of COâ‚‚ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to last year. This would provide enough electricity to power more than 1,100 houses for one year. Stage 2 of the FOGO rollout will commence in the first half of 2021 with the service being introduced to the townships of Bullengarook, Monegeetta, Tylden and Malmsbury. Learn more about FOGO by visiting: mrsc.vic.gov.au/FOGO
Get your bin calendar
Your new 2021 bin collection calendar will be available for digital download on our website from mid-December 2020.
To order a printed calendar or for more information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/bins 5422 0333 Would you like to be reminded to put your bin out on bin day? The Loddon Mallee Waste Info app can send you reminder notifications on your collection day. Download the app now from the app store on your smartphone.
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Waste and recycling
Partnering with op shops
Did you know that up to a third of items donated to charity stores are not suitable for sale? We have partnered with op shops and charity stores to combat the issues of dumping unwanted items and rubbish. Every store is different in what they can accept. We encourage all residents to check before you donate to make your donation count. We are #InThisTogether, so let’s free up op shops to help our most vulnerable community members. Some common items that cannot be accepted by op shops and charity stores: • Mattresses • Ewaste (electronic waste)
Recycling update
Unwanted items can be disposed of at your local transfer station.
Since the start of our bin inspection program, there has been a reduction in contamination, and an increase in the right things going in the right bins, which has led to more waste being recycled locally.
For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/op-shops
• paper
• Large furniture • Broken and damaged items
Meet Kerby the bin mascot
Our recent bin mascot naming competition ran for two months and was open to all residents and students of the shire. Thank you to everyone who submitted name suggestions. We’d like to congratulate Alexander of Romsey who submitted the winning name ‘Kerby’.
Items that belong in your recycling bin are: • cardboard • household metals, for example, aluminium foil and cans • rigid plastic containers and bottles. 1,147 tonnes of glass has been collected in the new purple-lidded glass only bins, and has been used in new roads across Victoria. We would like to thank residents for their commitment to recycling, as every little action makes a difference. Learn more about what belongs in your recycling mrsc.vic.gov.au/recycling bin by visiting:
Kerby looks forward to engaging with schools and events across the shire in 2021.
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Start here for summer Where to go for relief and recovery
If an emergency such as a bushfire occurs and you need to leave your home, Council will open an emergency relief centre. This centre is located well away from the affected area and the location will be broadcast on radio, social media and relevant websites. Services available at relief centres include: • food and water • personal support • temporary accommodation • emergency updates and information • a place to bring your pets (make sure you bring a leash or cage, food, water bowls and anything else they may need). Following the immediate emergency, as soon as possible after the event and where necessary, we will open a recovery centre. This centre will be located as close as possible to the affected area. Services available at a recovery centre include personal support and information about emergency grants, property clean-up, health and wellbeing, housing and insurance. Immediately following an event, we will work with other agencies to assess the impact of the event. You may receive a visit from staff or volunteers who will be checking to see how you are managing after the incident and assessing damage to your property, animals, trees and fencing. Experience shows that those people who have prepared their property and have a bushfire survival plan recover more quickly from an emergency.
Are you ready for the summer fire season?
• Pack an emergency kit, including medication. • Keep at least 72 hours’ worth of emergency supplies on hand. • Consider vulnerable members of your family, such as the elderly or those living with a disability. • Plan for the welfare of your pets, horses and livestock. • Review your home insurance to ensure you are properly covered. • Maintain your property over the fire season. mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-ready For more tips, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare
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Be ready this summer
fire safety tips How to beat the heat
Heat kills more Australians that any other natural disaster. Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.
When the heat hits
• Drink water: even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink water. Take a bottle of water with you always. • Hot cars kill: never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes. • Keep cool: seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics. • Plan ahead: schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
Staying informed Hear
Listen to the radio Ring the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
Find us on Facebook
See and do Actively patrol your property. Download the VicEmergency app.
Visit VicEmergency, a single all-emergencies website: emergency.vic.gov.au
The Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts
Facebook page aims to help you to prepare for and respond to an emergency, such as fire, flood or heatwave. This page does not replace official emergency alerts from VicEmergency, the CFA, Victoria Police or the SES. Facebook.com/MacedonRangesEmergencyAlerts
• Help others: look after those most at risk in the heat—your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people living with a disability or with a medical condition, and don’t forget your pets.
Insure it. It’s worth it
• Chill out on days of extreme heat at our airconditioned libraries in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend. During normal operating hours these libraries will have free water, toys out for the kids, free wifi and internet access and of course books, magazines and newspapers to read.
Now is the time to financially prepare to make sure you and your family are ready if things go wrong. Insurance gives you peace of mind and helps you bounce back financially if an emergency does affect you.
ncgrl.vic.gov.au to check library opening Visit hours.
If you and your family were affected by an emergency, could you repair, replace or rebuild your most valued possessions?
Getting insurance is easy if you follow four steps: 1. Know your risk. 2. Calculate the value of your belongings. 3. Insure what matters. 4. Protect your important documents. Our experience in supporting residents affected by emergencies is that those who are well insured, have a better experience when they are trying to get their lives back on track. Now is the perfect time to check your cover and increase your insurance if needed. Insure it—it’s worth it. For more information: insureit.vic.gov.au
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Environment spotlight on 2019–20
Our annual environment report for 2019–20 was recently published and identified the following achievements:
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
We reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 10.4 per cent from last year, equating to 30 per cent reduction from our baseline year of 2014–15. This is largely due to changes to our operations and service delivery as a result of the global pandemic, as well as realising the full benefits of our investment in solar arrays and low emission street lights.
7,640
7,470
7,335 6,475
5,930
5,315
2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20
Reduction in waste transferred to landfill
A wealth of biodiversity on roadsides
We collaborated with Newham & District Landcare Group to conduct a series of spotlight fauna surveys along 10 roadsides in Newham. These surveys resulted in 683 wildlife observations. Species recorded include the brush-tailed phascogale, the feather-tailed glider and the koala. Averaged out, 93 animals were observed per kilometre on these roadsides compared to 10 animals per kilometre in the 2018 spotlight surveys conducted in the Wombat State Forest and Mount Macedon. This highlights the important role roadside vegetation plays in providing habitat for the shire’s wildlife. This project was delivered with funds from the Australian Government’s Communities Environment Program. For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/biodiversity
Last financial year saw an 11 per cent reduction in waste transferred to landfill per household. This is largely due to the introduction of the four bin kerbside collection service.
Photo: William Terry
For more information on our annual environment report, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment
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Environment
Dja Dja Wurrung signs installed at Malmsbury Common New cultural signage has been installed at Malmsbury Common Reserve in conjunction with Djandak, the business enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. The signs speak to the values of the Djaara people as reflected in place, the waterway and specific food and fibre plants that you would find there.
The project forms part of our broader objective to build relationships with the shire’s Traditional Owners and understand and raise awareness about its Aboriginal heritage and values. For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/malmsbury-common
Climate change action plan for Woodend
Our Cool Changes program is now being conducted for the wider Woodend district. A climate change action plan has been produced through a community-led process, and provides Woodend residents with a foundation for individual and collective action on climate change. The project was supported with funding from Sustainability Victoria’s Zero Carbon Communities Transition program. The plan is now available at: mrsc.vic.gov.au/cool-changes
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Major projects update Shared trails underway
We have started on the first section of the Macedon Ranges shared trails in Woodend. The $9.75 million project will deliver a 24 kilometre walking, running, low-volume cycling, and commuting trail, running between Woodend, Macedon, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek townships. The project will take approximately 2 years to complete and is supported by the Victorian Government through the Crisis Committee of Cabinet – Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/shared-trails 
Get outdoors, get fit
A range of outdoor exercise equipment has been installed at four locations around the shire. Gisborne: John Aitken Reserve Kyneton: Corner of Mill Street and St Agnes Place Romsey: Five Mile Creek, off Drovers Retreat Woodend: Campaspe Park, Five Mile Creek The exercise equipment is suitable for all ages and abilities. Funding for the equipment has been provided by the Campaspe River Land Management Group ($20,000), the Victorian Government ($150,000) and Council ($75,000).
Photo: Chloe Smith
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Major projects
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct
We have received a strong and encouraging response to the community consultation process following the updated concept design for Council’s largest ever building project. Council officers will present the findings from the consultation process to the new Council before seeking a decision on which elements of the project scope will be constructed first as stage one, based on the current funding commitments from Council, the Victorian Government and AFL Victoria. For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/sports-precinct
IR Robertson Reserve pavilion
The new pavilion has now been completed at the IR Robertson Reserve in Gisborne South, and replaces the old building that had termite damage and was becoming uninhabitable. The reserve is home to the Gisborne Pony Club and the Gisborne & District Adult Riding Club. Funding for the pavilion was approximately $330,000 and included contributions from both clubs.
Romsey Ecotherapy Park next stage underway Detailed design planning for stage 2 of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park is underway, with construction scheduled to start next year.
Stage 2 of the master plan will deliver a sensory therapeutic space, and an arts and culture open space for people of all ages and abilities. We are working in partnership with the community group Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. to deliver stage 2 of the park, which will provide a unique experience for both local residents and visitors to enjoy. The park is located on the corner of Main and Palmer streets and is being developed in three stages. Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. and Council conducted an extensive community consultation phase to develop a concept for the park in 2017. Stage one, the active nature space, has been completed and includes landscaped areas, seating, paths, a flying fox and nature-based play elements including a climbing forest (which was funded as a result of community voting through Pick My Project). Stage 2 of the park is jointly funded by the Victorian Government through Regional Development Victoria ($718,000), Council ($702,000) and the Lancefield and Romsey branches of the Bendigo Bank contribution for the sensory therapeutic space ($80,000). To find out more and keep updated on the progress of the project, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Romsey-Ecotherapy-Park
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Welcome our new Councillors
A new Macedon Ranges Shire Council was due to be formed following the local government elections in October. Our new Councillors were due to be sworn in during November and were provided with an induction to help them settle into their new roles. At the time of publication, the election results were unknown. To find out who your new councillors are, mrsc.vic.gov.au/councillors visit:
How would you like to engage with us? We’re preparing a new community engagement policy that covers when, why and how we will consult with the community. Consultation is the process by which we gather information to make decisions that impact on the community. We are committed to clear and meaningful consultation, and would like your input to ensure the policy reflects our community’s needs and expectations. Under the new Local Government Act 2020, we must adopt a community engagement policy which gives effect to the community engagement principles, and also details that we will use deliberative engagement methods in creating at least 4 key documents Following a review of community feedback, the draft policy will be reviewed and presented to Council for consideration and adoption at a future Council meeting. For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/feedback-and-consultation
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Engagement
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Receive updates on Council projects and services direct to your inbox. Subscribe to one or more of the following: Aquatics and Leisure: get the latest on fitness classes, sports programs, swimming and more. Arts and Culture: find out about festivals, exhibitions, arts events and opportunities. Business: discover events, support and other opportunities for local business. Disability: news on local programs and services that cater to people with a disability. Environment: find out more about local environmental projects and events. Family: information for local families with children aged up to eight years. Over 55s: a quarterly newsletter with updates on events and opportunities for over 55s. ShireLife: bi-monthly newsletter on Council projects, activities, opportunities and more. Waste: quarterly newsletter with waste and recycling service updates, local events and waste reduction tips. 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters
Find us on social media
Get regular updates about our services, projects, events and activities via our social media channels. Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre Macedon Ranges Over 55s Connect Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool Macedon Ranges Youth @MacedonRangesSC @MacedonRangessc Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council
Rates instalments
Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date. Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each instalment date. Please note: During the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, interest is not being charged for overdue rates or other payments that were due 30 September 2020. The instalment dates for 2020–21 are: 30 November 2020 28 February 2021 31 May 2021 You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa or Mastercard via Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments or in person at a Council customer service centre during opening hours. If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, contact 5422 0322 the Rates department:
Contact Council 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577 mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au mrsc.vic.gov.au
PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 * Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of the shire the ability to contact us without incurring an STD call rate. Visit one of our service centres 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton 96−100 Main Street, Romsey Cnr High and Forest streets, Woodend Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Council through the National Relay Service: • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333. • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333. • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see relayservice. com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333. If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter: 5422 0302 comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au
ShireLife is produced on 100% recycled paper from post consumer waste, and printed by a printer who operates and is certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.
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Free pool pass
Present this voucher at either the Lancefield or Woodend outdoor pool and receive free entry. Valid for 1 adult or 1 child until 31 December 2020. Limit 1 per person. mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
Have your say
Passionate about local issues? Have your say on Council projects and decisions, and participate in our consultation activities. For more information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay 5422 0333
Complete and present this coupon at the Hanging Rock CafĂŠ to receive your exit ticket. Name
Address Offer valid until 31 December 2021. Not valid on event days and not to be used for commercial purposes. Limit one coupon per household, per annum.