ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter
Issue 35
Winter 2020
Register online for kindergarten Page 2
Cat curfew starts 1 July Page 3
Meet our new bin mascot Page 4 Active Living Census: what you told us Pages 6–7
Get COVID-19 help and support Page 5
What’s new in kindergarten
Works are underway at Swinburne Avenue
Register online for a chance to win Register online for three or four year old kindergarten by 30 June and you’ll go in the draw to win two terms of Learn to Swim lessons for your child!
A $735,000 upgrade has begun at Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre with support from the Victorian Government’s Children’s Facilities Capital Grant ($500,000) and Council’s contribution of $235,000. The upgrade will deliver new children’s bathrooms for both kindergarten rooms, a shared office, additional storage and a meeting room for use by parents, staff and visiting services. Works are expected to be completed in July 2020.
New IT equipment has been received across all sites
To register, upload proof of your child’s age and submit payment online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego
Eight Council kindergartens have shared in $11,675 to purchase new ipads and televisions to help deliver their programs. A further $20,875 of equipment grants is helping to support children with additional needs.
For more information about our kindergartens: mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego
These improvements are supported by the Victorian Government.
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ShireLife
Kindergarten, cats and dogs
Where to walk your dog
All dogs within the shire must now be exercised on leash unless in designated off-leash areas. When out and about with your dog, be on the lookout for new signage currently being installed throughout the shire. Some footpaths will also be stencilled, further indicating dog on-leash requirements.
What’s new with the cat curfew? From Wednesday 1 July 2020, all cats must be confined to their property from sunset to sunrise and will be prohibited from our most sensitive environmental areas. Now is a good time to prepare for these new requirements.
In the absence of any signage, an area should always be assumed as ‘on-leash’. For more details on dog on and off-leash mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs requirements: 5422 0333.
Dog off-leash area beyond this point
Dog off-leash area when events not in progress
Dog off-leash area outside of school hours
Cats can be confined to your property in one or more of the following ways: • Indoors • Cat run or specially-designed enclosure • Enclosing part of a property, e.g. a verandah • Cat-proof fencing • In a shed (well-ventilated/insulated).
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
Dog offleash area (grassed areas)
Dogs on leash beyond this point
Dogs on leash within 5m of playground
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
We recognise that it’s easier to train kittens for confinement, however all cats can be trained to come home at night, usually by adjusting their feed times.
Why do I need to confine my cat?
When cats are outdoors they can attack wildlife, get hit by cars, be injured or injure other cats, and spread diseases. They can also spray, howl, and annoy neighbours and their pets, especially during mating season.
Dogs off leash allowed along riverwalk from 7.30am–10am only
Please clean up after your dog
Do not leave dogs unattended
Building cat enclosures and making behavioural adjustments for your cat does take time, therefore it is important for cat owners to act now before the curfew begins. For more details on responsible cat ownership including helpful advice and resources about mrsc.vic.gov.au/cats confining cats:
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
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Have you seen our new bin mascot?
Over the past months, it’s been great to see so many residents in the community embracing isolation bin outings by dressing up and posting their trips to the kerb on social media. Also getting into the community spirit is our new bin mascot. The mascot is looking forward to visiting schools, community groups and workplaces later this year to share with the community, good recycling habits and waste minimisation techniques. The bin mascot will have four ‘hats’ representing general (red), recycled (yellow), green (green) and glass (purple) waste. We are hoping to find a name for the bin mascot that will fit with its personality and purpose, so stay tuned in the coming months for our bin mascot naming competition!
Seeking advice about grazing?
The Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock project aims to promote the benefits of regenerative agriculture through individual advice to farmers, workshops, speaker nights and discussion groups. The project assists landholders with grazing, no matter the property size and provides them with tips to improve pasture recovery, biodiversity, soil health and their ability to adapt to our changing climate. It offers practical solutions to improve grazing and helps farmers understand how to improve stock health, soil health and productivity. To discuss how you can improve your land: mrsc.vic.gov.au/sustainable-farming
environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au
This project is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
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ShireLife
Environment and #InThisTogether
#InThisTogether The #InThisTogether campaign is our way of helping support the wellbeing of the community at this challenging time while we deal with the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve also found innovative ways to deliver services and programs while Council-run centres are closed. Keep an eye out for #InThisTogether across our social media channels and on our website. Join the conversation by using #InThisTogether on social media and help us spread the positive stories of residents, groups and businesses doing great things. To find out more:
mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Support for residents and businesses
Support packages are on offer to assist residents, businesses and community groups that are feeling the impact of the pandemic. The financial support measures include:
✓ debt collection activities on 2019/20 unpaid rates
and outstanding amounts ceased on 17 March and will remain ceased until 30 September 2020
✓ interest not being charged for overdue rates or other payments through to 30 September 2020
✓ penalties for late payment of 2020/21 animal
registrations due 10 April 2020 not being applied until 30 September 2020.
Residents, businesses, staff and sporting clubs can also:
✓ improve cash flow by requesting earlier payment
than Council’s 30-day standard terms—email your request to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
✓ request a waiver of lease fees/rents—available for
The ROC is open for business
The shire-wide Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) is a centralised service where you can ask for support, request information, offer assistance or put forward recovery ideas and suggestions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
groups that hold facility leases with Council and where the pandemic has impacted their sporting, community and hospitality venue operations.
You can contact the centre Monday to Friday, 5422 0237 or 8.30am to 5pm: recovery@mrsc.vic.gov.au
The pandemic has had a far-reaching impact, and both Councillors and staff are committed to supporting the community through this time of uncertainty.
The ROC has been established as part of our ongoing #InThisTogether community and business support campaign.
Financial hardship
There are a range of options available for those facing financial hardship, and this includes the ability to enable flexible payments and defer payments. To view our Financial Hardship Policy: mrsc.vic.gov.au/financial-hardship
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Active Living Census The Active Living Census was one of the biggest surveys conducted in the Macedon Ranges Shire with 3,691 people taking part. This represents more than eight per cent of residents aged from three years. The survey was conducted as part of the Victorian Government-funded Healthy Heart of Victoria initiative aimed at improving health outcomes across the Loddon-Campaspe region. The 2019 Active Living Census was based on a similar census previously conducted by the City of Greater Bendigo. A paper survey was mailed to all households in the Loddon-Campaspe region, and residents were encouraged to complete the survey online if possible.
What are the main findings? How active are we?
Barriers to being more active
• About 2 in 5 adults (62 per cent) do not meet physical activity guidelines.
Cost 22.1%
• Over half (53 per cent) of all residents want to be more active more often. Being time poor is the most common barrier to being more active in our shire. However, barriers to being more active vary within our community. For females, cost, safety, personal reasons and lack of social support are more commonly reported barriers to being more active than for males. For seniors aged 70 years and older, having poor health or a disability was the main reason they were not as active as they would like. This was also the case for people who need assistance with daily activities.
Personal reasons 25.7%
Time poor 55.9%
Poor health/ disability 19.7% Safety 15.7%
16.7% Lack of social support
What are the most popular activities in our shire? • Walking is the most popular form of physical activity in the Macedon Ranges Shire. • Males and females of all ages walk for exercise.
Percentage of residents participating once or more a year. 21.1% 9% Walking
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Swimming
6.7%
6.5%
6.1%
Bushwalking/ Fitness/gym Active play hiking
ShireLife
5%
4.3%
3.7%
3.3%
2.6%
Cycling for recreation or transport
Jogging/ running
Indoor group fitness
AFL football
Tennis
Active Living Census
What did the survey results say about our public facilities and spaces? The top five suggested improvements that could be made to our public facilities and spaces to improve active living were:
✓ upgrades to footpaths and walking tracks (36 per cent)
✓ exercise equipment or facilities (including sporting facilities) (17 per cent)
✓ bicycle tracks and skate facilities (17 per cent) ✓ toilets or change rooms (11 per cent)
✓ safety measures or restrictions, including designated dog on and off-leash areas (8 per cent).
The top five most commonly-accessed facilities and spaces were:
✓ footpaths (89 per cent) ✓ parks (83 per cent) ✓ off-road walking and cycling tracks (72 per cent) ✓ sporting grounds, ovals and clubrooms (53 per cent) ✓ swimming pools/splash parks (51 per cent).
How do we compare to the region? The Active Living Census showed that many measures of health and wellbeing are similar or slightly better in the Macedon Ranges Shire, when compared to the Loddon Campaspe region. However there is a lot we can do to improve our health and wellbeing: only 14 per cent of adults meet guidelines for vegetable consumption and 61 per cent are overweight or obese.
Fruit intake– meets guidelines Macedon Ranges
Region
Vegetable intake–meets guidelines Macedon Ranges
Region
General wellbeing–rated low Macedon Ranges Region
5.7%
16.7%
7.1%
18.9%
Low life satisfaction
Not feeling valued
Sugary drinks daily intake
General health– rated poor or fair
11.3%
14%
Macedon Ranges
Region
16.2%
19%
Macedon Ranges
Region
Overweight and obesity Macedon Ranges Region
36.5% 35.6% Overweight
24.5% 26.9% Obese
What next? The newly-released Macedon Ranges Shire Selected Findings Report, will help inform future programs and infrastructure. We are committed to helping create a community where people of all ages and abilities can achieve optimal health and wellbeing. To read the report: mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Your Councillors Cr Natasha Gayfer East Ward
Cr Roger Jukes West Ward
I write this in early April, during the unprecedented period of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am heartened to see our communities pulling together—staying home where possible, looking out for each other, and rallying behind our essential workers. I have no doubt that by the time you read this, we will still be working together, and I thank you for your ongoing efforts. There are good news stories to bolster us at this time. The new climbing forest at Romsey Ecotherapy Park is open and looks amazing. This wonderful park will be an important drawcard for the Macedon Ranges once restrictions for locals and visitors are lifted. There has also been progress on measures supporting responsible pet owners. Thank you to people now walking their dogs on a leash in public places, except in prohibited or designated off-leash areas. In the east ward there are off-leash areas in Clarkefield, Darraweit Guim, Lancefield, Riddells Creek and Romsey. For details, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs From Wednesday 1 July our cat curfew begins, and all cats must be contained to their property between sunrise and sunset. Every day I bring my own cat inside well before dark, keeping her safe from cars and other animals, and protecting our precious wildlife. Please stay connected during this period—we’re all in this together and there is support. Council remains available by phone or email, and I always welcome phone calls or emails.
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ShireLife
Your Councillors
During these uncertain times, our community has shown its resilience and aptitude for getting on with the job no matter the circumstances. We’ve adapted to physical distancing, isolation and quarantining, and still managed to keep in touch with our family, friends and neighbourhood. While Council was quick to react to the pandemic by closing its offices and facilities—such as the aquatic centres, visitor information centres and Hanging Rock—to minimise large public gatherings, most of our services are available online or over the phone. A new campaign #InthisTogether was launched to provide financial support to residents and businesses. The supports include measures such as holds on interest charges on overdue rates, debt collection on hold until 30 September, and waiving of Council’s 30 day standard payment terms to help with business cashflow. The campaign also highlights and supports innovative ways that Council can deliver programs to the community. Initiatives such as the fitness staff sharing videos to encourage exercise, and workshops such as Managing Pastures in a Changing Climate being successfully delivered online. So business continues as normal, although in a different format to what we’ve been used to. Council still provides services, still consults and still wants you to have your say.
Cr Helen Radnedge South Ward Our shire contains many different ecosystems that are characterised by different types of plants and animals. Each ecosystem is classified according to ecological vegetation classes (EVCs). Of the 33 EVCs in the Macedon Ranges, 13 are ‘endangered’, nine are ‘vulnerable’, four are ‘depleted’ and six are of ‘least concern’ and the status of one is undetermined. The Statement of Planning Policy for the Macedon Ranges confirms the importance of our natural environment. On page two In the Hon. Richard Wynne MP’s foreword, the first paragraph reads: “The Macedon Ranges with its iconic scenery, wildlife and rich cultural heritage is one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive areas in Victoria.” Page 21, paragraph two reads: “In decision making the highest priority is given to the significant landscapes that define the declared area as represented in the Landscape domain, the Biodiversity and environment domain, and the Water catchments and supply domain.”
Budget 2020/21
Each year, Council reviews its operations and determines the required “base” budget for the following year to deliver its existing services. Internal business cases are prepared for any new operating requirements/projects and for the proposed capital works program. A thorough evaluation of these new projects and requirements is undertaken and as part of this process, a series of budget workshops is undertaken with Councillors. As the amount of funding is limited, challenging decisions have to be made each year in regard to what is included in the draft budget. Although the financial impact of COVID-19 is still uncertain, it is a factor which is being considered. While normally the draft budget is made available for public comment in late April and the final budget is adopted by 30 June, the Minister for Local Government has approved a date extension to 31 August 2020 for when Victorian councils must adopt their final budgets. This has allowed Council more time to consider its budget. The draft budget, along with the Council Plan and Strategic Resource Plan, will be presented at an Ordinary Council meeting in coming months. For further updates, visit:
mrsc.vic.gov.au
The binding objectives of these domains are: Landscape: “To ensure the declared area’s natural and cultural landscapes are conserved and enhanced.” Biodiversity and environmental values: “To ensure the significant biodiversity, ecological and environmental values of the declared area are conserved and enhanced.” Water catchments and supply: “To prioritise the conservation and use of the declared area’s water catchments to ensure a sustainable local, regional and state water supply, and healthy environment.” Our environment, our future.
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Major projects Woodend Kindergarten playground completed
Woodend Kindergarten playground upgrades have recently been completed. The upgrades include nature-based play elements, climbing equipment, yarning circle, and addresses accessibility and drainage issues. They will provide a contemporary and inclusive area where the children can explore, investigate and create. The kindergarten upgrades were funded by Council’s Buildings Construction Program 2018/19 ($165,934), the Victorian Government’s Pick my Project Grant ($180,455) and Children’s Facilities Capital Program ($152,000), and by the Woodend Kindergarten Incorporation ($14,955).
Kyneton Library entrance
The entrance of Kyneton Library has been remodelled so that it faces the playground and the area leading to the entrance has been landscaped which makes the library more welcoming and easier to find. The lessvisible components of the upgrade include roof works, replacement of the heating and cooling system, and improvements to the staff areas. We appreciate the support of Goldfields Libraries staff, who worked with us to stage delivery of this project to minimise disruption to services. This project was funded by a Victorian Government grant of $150,000 and an allocation of funds from Council’s 2018/19 Budget.
Bald Hill Reserve
Council in partnership with the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve recently completed a new entrance to Bald Hill Reserve on Mt St Mary’s Lane near Kyneton. The works include landscaping as well as construction of elevated concrete boardwalks to connect the reserve entrance to the network of walking trails beyond. The boardwalk and trails were carefully aligned to protect the site’s native flora as well as the threatened Bibrons Toadlet that lives in the ephemeral waterways near the entrance area. Bald Hill Reserve supports one of Victoria’s largest remaining Bibrons Toadlet populations, making it an important conservation site in the region.
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Major projects
Malmsbury Common Reserve
Council, in partnership with Malmsbury Landcare, has reimagined the Malmsbury Common Reserve and has expanded the site’s walking trails. The entrance has been upgraded to acknowledge the local Traditional Owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung, and the site now supports all-ability access to picnic seating. A gravel walking trail loops through the old rifle mound and the site’s grassy wetland expanse, and a new elevated ‘gathering place’ provides a point of reflection, including information about the impact of settlement on local indigenous communities. Council and the community of Malmsbury encourages everyone to come and enjoy this space.
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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 through to 30 September 2020. The instalment dates for 2020/21 are: 30 September 2020 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. 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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East Ward Cr Henry Bleeck Mobile: 0400 028 507 hbleeck@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Keep up to date with the latest news from Council including media releases, public notices and consultations. mrsc.vic.gov.au/latest-news
Cr Bill West Mobile: 0400 025 455 bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au
South Ward
#InThisTogether
Cr Mandi Mees (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0448 814 442 mmees@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Council’s #InThisTogether campaign supports residents and businesses during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Helen Radnedge Mobile: 0437 386 922 hradnedge@mrsc.vic.gov.au
For more information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or like our Facebook page: MacedonRangesShireCouncil
Cr Andrew Twaits Mobile: 0429 066 000 atwaits@mrsc.vic.gov.au
West Ward Cr Jennifer Anderson Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Need to get moving?
Home-fit videos are now available online! Visit one of our aquatic centre’s facebook pages (see page 11) or mrsc.vic.gov.au/home-fit
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Janet Pearce (Mayor) Mobile: 0437 282 096 jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Your Councillors
Latest news
Cr Natasha Gayfer Mobile: 0436 407 401 ngayfer@mrsc.vic.gov.au