Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 12 :: May 2015
Page 2
Healthy Heart Week
Page 7
Smart Business Conference
2015/16
budget Page 10–11
Supporting local producers and agribusiness
Page 13
Meet your Councillors
Page 4
Gisborne Early Learning Centre
Get out and about in winter
The cooler winter months are a great time to get out and explore, as the Macedon Ranges transform into a winter wonderland. Warm and toasty Linger over lunch and a log fire
A healthy heart
Celebrate Healthy Heart Week at Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre from Monday 22 June to Friday 26 June 2015. Healthy Heart Week is an educational program that promotes community awareness and preventative measures for one of Australia’s leading health conditions, cardiovascular disease. A range of free health promotions will be run throughout the week and will include health and wellbeing assessments, a healthy heart education session and free information packs. The education session will include guest speakers from Ambulance Victoria, StrokeSafe, Diabetes Victoria and Macedon Ranges Health. It will cover prevention, risk factors and symptoms of heart attack and stroke.
Welcoming our new citizens
at a local café or restaurant. Our eateries come alive during winter, serving delicious dishes using local produce accompanied by robust local red wines. Anyone for golf? Tour your way around the golf courses in the townships of Gisborne, Woodend, Kyneton, Lancefield, Romsey and Mount Macedon. Inspire your inner budding gardener Winter is the perfect time to visit our cool climate garden nurseries and our weekly farmers’ markets. Find out more at www.visitmacedonranges.com or call 1800 244 711.
Planning to hold a festival or event? Attend our free workshop to discover how working with Council can support the development and success of your event. Learn about the services and assistance Council can provide, and gain an understanding of which permits you may need as part of your event planning. Monday 22 June 2015 6.30pm–8.30pm Gisborne Administration Centre 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne Cost: Free (online bookings essential) To book, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events
For more information about the campaign, to book 17 new citizens were also welcomed an assessment or to attend thethe education session, to the Macedon Ranges during visit Australia mrsc.vic.gov.au/healthyheartweek, annual Day celebrations. Our or contact Rowe on 5421 1477 via prowe@mrsc.vic.gov.au newPatrick citizens originate from theorUnited Kingdom, Denmark, Vietnam,to attend a free See theTurkey, back page for a voucher South Africa, India, Malta, Canada, HeartMoves class or swim pass during Hearty Health Week. Ukraine, Scotland and the United States.
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:: Health and wellbeing
Participants in the Lancefield event of the 2015 Aquathon Series.
Romsey squash courts
Did you know that there are two squash courts for hire at Romsey Recreation Centre? Regular squash sessions can improve strength, cardiovascular health, balance, agility, hand-eye coordination and stress levels. It’s a great alternative to tennis and can be played indoors all year round. Courts can be hired by the hour along with racquets and balls. For more information or to book a court, call 5429 5637 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/squash
Mixed volleyball
Come and try our round robin mixed volleyball competition at Buffalo Sports Stadium, Woodend. Volleyball is a great sport to have fun in a team environment while improving your fitness, skills and agility. Individual and team registrations are available and competition is played on Thursday nights from 8pm. For more information, contact the stadium on 5427 3411 or via buffalo@mrsc.vic.gov.au Volleyball is also available on Tuesday nights at the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre and on Monday nights at Riddells Creek Leisure Centre. For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
Dash and splash Aquathon Series 2015
For the first time, the Macedon Ranges Aquathon Series was held across all four aquatic facilities including our two outdoor pools in Lancefield and Woodend. The four events provided a range of courses with varying distances to suit all ages and abilities. Mini courses were provided at all events to allow children to participate. With growing awareness of obesity in children and an alarming number of drownings every year, it’s important to encourage children to get involved, be active and swim in a supervised environment. The weather provided its own challenges with conditions ranging from cold to extreme heat and wind, however over 200 entrants braved the conditions and participated at one or more events. The series was made possible by the generous support of local businesses and the wonderful volunteers who ensured the safety and success of each leg. Look out for updates on the 2016 series on both the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre and Gisborne Aquatic Centre Facebook pages.
Staying Strong Romsey Recreation Centre offers Staying Strong classes for mature adults on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10.30am. Our instructor Deb will guide you through a circuitbased program for older people who want to build muscle and cardiovascular strength, and maintain a healthy body and mind. For more information on classes or to enrol, contact the centre on 5429 5637 or via rrc@mrsc.vic.gov.au For more Staying Strong classes at our other centres, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/fitness-centres Page 03
What is
Kindergym?
Kinder enrolments
Enrol now for 2016 Kindergarten is a fun, playbased environment that gives children the opportunity to learn and develop positive relationships with other children. By experimenting and participating in group interactions, children make friends, build resilience and develop positive self-esteem. There are places available in 2016 for three and four year olds at Council-managed kindergartens in Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Woodend. Enrolments must be lodged by 30 June 2015. For available places or more information about kindergarten programs, fees and enrolments, contact Council’s Early Years unit on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children Eligible concession cardholders for the four year old program receive a kindergarten fee subsidy.
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Gisborne Early Learning Centre Works are expected to begin in June on a new early learning centre at 71 Robertson Street, Gisborne. The $3.7m centre will have a strong focus on both indoor and outdoor learning experiences for children, and will provide: • two rooms for three and four year old kindergarten • two Maternal and Child Health consulting rooms • shared community space for uses such as playgroups, early intervention services, immunisation programs • a toy library. A number of sustainable elements such as double-glazed windows, solar hot water, and native vegetation will be incorporated into the design. Water collected from the roof will be used to flush toilets, and the building position will help to reduce the heat load. This is an exciting time for local families as we work towards a fully-integrated early learning centre by 2016. For more information, contact Holly Clinton on 5422 0250 or via hclinton@mrsc.vic.gov.au
:: Early learning • Youth
Kindergym is a parent and child movement-based program that encourages physical, emotional, cognitive and social development of your child. Through music and games using soft shapes and gymnastics equipment, children are given the opportunity and confidence to explore and develop their physical skills in a fun environment at their own pace. They are inspired to attempt new activities by observing other children in action. Buffalo Stadium runs Kindergym classes for children aged between one and five years of age. Classes are casual and are held on Friday morning during school terms. The first class is free for new participants, and each subsequent class costs $9.50. Class times: 1–3 years of age: 10am–10.50am 3–5 years of age: 11am–12 noon. For more information or to book, call 5427 3411 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/buffalo
2015
immunisation program
Youth Mental Health First Aid training After successful courses at Kyneton Secondary College in March and Gisborne Secondary College in April, the Youth Development unit is pleased to offer parents, guardians and teachers extra Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions at Braemar College—in addition to ones being held at Sacred Heart College and Romsey. This free, award-winning four-week course teaches adults how to assist a young person who may be developing a mental illness or in a mental health crisis. Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider and you will be joining over 500 residents who have already been trained, creating a safer, healthier and more open-minded community for our young people. To book your place or for more information, contact Emilie on 5422 0337.
Free immunisation sessions are held each month in Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend on the first Thursday of the month (except January, which is the second Thursday) and in Riddells Creek and Romsey on the third Tuesday of the month. The National Immunisation Program Schedule recommends that children receive their first vaccine at birth, then at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 months and 4 years. Students in Years 7 to 10 will be offered immunisations at school. For the immunisation timetable or more information, contact 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/immunisations
It’s playtime Connecting communities through play
Playgroups provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet new people, gain support and exchange parenting ideas. They allow babies, toddlers and preschoolers to socialise as they play and learn together. All playgroups are different, but the emphasis is on fun and friendship. Toy libraries provide educational toys, puzzles and games to local families. An annual subscription gives parents access to a wide variety of toys that can be changed regularly and contributes towards the development and education of their child. To find a playgroup or toy library in your area, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/activities-for-children
Course dates
Location
Time
20, 27 May and 3,10 June
Braemar College
6pm–9.30pm
27 August and 3, 10, 17 September
Sacred Heart College
6pm–9.30pm
7, 14, 21, 28 October
Romsey Hub
6pm–9.30pm
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This design for Kyneton Community Park is the result of a design review of the concept produced in 2012. This design keeps all the exciting features of the first concept, but has modified it to reflect practical considerations of the site and the $300,000 in government grants the project has received for Stage 1 and $500,000 for Stage 2 funding permitted. This revised concept has been undertaken in consultation with the Kyneton Community, the Kyneton Community Park Inc who have also contributed funds to Park's construction and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
mounds, a rock maze, sandpit and whispy grasses. This draws on the themes of the site's aboriginal past and local mineral springs. Leading into and out of this space is the dry log-lined creek bed, inspired by the Campaspe in flood and the timber felled during the region's establishment. Agricultural “furrows” lead out of this space, each one drawing on a To Hill Slide different agricultural theme to (later stage) provide unique play opportunities. Timber and rope play equipment surrounds this space, with an all-abilities accessible path, lawns and picnic facilities.
The design concept for the Kyneton Community Park aims to capture the essence of what makes Kyneton special creating a park that is uniquely of Kyneton and reflects the area's history, stories and current place in Victoria. The design for the park draws upon a number of themes including Kyneton's aboriginal and agricultural history, the local mineral springs, the Campaspe River and its location in the historic Kyneton Botanic Gardens.
As part of a later stage of works a large hill slide is proposed for the hill to the west of the park, together with a tree house. These two projects are currently unfunded but are planned for future stages.
Tree House (later stage)
Play Caravans
Major projects
Picnic Lawns
Dry Creek Log Jams
Path Swing
Picnic Lawns
Ropes Course
Timber Pole Fort
Basket Swing
Minor Entranc Arbou
Rock maze and sand Lawn
Furrow 2 Tractors & Tyres
Path
Toddlers Play Path
Ropes Course
Dry Creek Log Jams
Furrow 5 Sunflowers & crops
New Toilets (later stage)
Furrow 1 Animals & sand play
Shelter and BBQ
McKenna Drive Extension
Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend
Picnic Lawns
Water Play
Rock maze and sand
The Kynetonwith Community Tenders closed in late December has 2014 theParkcontract been designed as a space for the Kyneton Community awarded in March 2015. Works began onsite inandApril its visitors both old and young. Through the use of agricultural and will be completed in Octoberand 2015. historic themes, and the referencing of the Campaspe The pavilion will include: River and the site's long history, The park has been designed for the design for the new Kyneton is uniquely • first aidof room • public toilets- Community Park • multipurpose room the entire Kyneton Community from young families through to Kyneton, providing an individual and special space which canroom be • store • all-abilities toilet • umpire room teenagers and elderly residents. Play features provide stimulation both locally popular and a draw card. • change • canteen for adults and childrenrooms of a unique regional• office. range of ages - while picnic and Design work on the Kyneton informal sport facilities including Community Park is currently Pétanque and Table-Tennis cater underway to allow construction to both tourists and the wider of Stages 1 and 2 to community. commence in 2015. Central to the park is an open water play area, with lawn
Cubby Tree
Furrow 3 'Hay'
Macedon Ranges Netball Complex pavilion
Furrow 4 logs
Path
(later stage)
Shelter and BBQ
Table Tennis
Major Entrance Arbour
Pétanque
Instant turf was laid in late January 2015, with TREE HOUSE minor works and (LATER defects completed in April STAGE) 2015. The oval will remain closed to the public until spring 2015 to allow the new grass to establish after the winter dormant season.
0m
5
10
15
20
25m
Pigpen Oval for informal games
Kyneton
Rehabilitated Oak Fairy Ring
Community Park
Over the past months, Council has consulting with residents, CENTRAL WATER PLA arborists and heritage advisers to finalise the park’s concept design.
VINTAGE TRACTORS been
New stadium in Gisborne
Vintage Tractors
Path Kyneton Sand Play Cordyline The Community Park will be a Stepping Forest Logs creative, natural space for people of all ages and abilities to picnic, celebrate, exercise and play. It will be a celebration of the local history and community of Kyneton.
Rock Maze and Sand
Produced by Laidlaw & Laidlaw Design for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Design assisted by Kyneton Community Park Inc. Copyright February 2015
The hard work of the Gisborne community, Council and Gisborne Secondary College has been rewarded, with the new stadium opening its doors in April. This premier facility includes two sports courts, as well as a large meeting room with kitchen. The courts feature: • court line-marking and equipment for a range of sports • key-operated basketball backboards • scoreboard with shot clock • automated air ventilation systems • on and off court viewing areas. Competitions will include basketball, netball and indoor soccer. The facility will also be available for casual or regular use hire. The stadium is located on Melton Road at the Gisborne Secondary College. For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
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Stage 1 works will begin in June and be completed by December 2015. Rejuvenation of the soil around existing trees has been undertaken, including aeration and fertilisation. This will be followed by the construction of underground infrastructure and pathways. The first stage is funded by the Victorian Government ($300,000) and Council ($100,000). Stage 2, the construction of park equipment, will be completed in early 2016, funding permitting.
:: Major projects • Smart Business Conference
MMU N
E KYN
IT Y
PAR K
Extension to Ebden Street Entrance
ROPES COURSE
r ce ur
Smart Business Conference 19–20 May 2015
CARAVANS AND DRY CREEK
Play Caravans
Dry Creek Log Jam with Sand
HILL SLIDE (LATER STAGE)
AY
Water Play
Found Object Cubby Building
Rock Maze and Sand
The second annual Smart Business Conference offers local businesses, and those thinking about starting a new business, the chance to participate in a range of workshops and training. Presented by Council in partnership with Small Business Victoria, the conference will give participants the opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as marketing, online strategies, finance and improving business practices.
Lawn mound and Trees
Rock Maze and Sand
Whispy Grasses
Timber Pole Fort
The conference will be held at the Kyneton Town Hall and includes a special networking lunch where participants can meet, engage and network with other business owners in the shire. You can choose to attend one workshop, or take advantage of the discount packages available for multiple workshops.
Purchase tickets
You can purchase individual tickets or conference packages by: Phone 5421 9616 Online mrsc.vic.gov.au/smart-business For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/smart-business
Day one Tuesday 19 May 2015 Newman Room
10am–12pm: Business networking 1.30pm–5pm: Starting your business
Richardson Room
10am–12pm: Marketing basics 1.30pm–5pm: Marketing for growth
Council Chambers
10am–12pm: Go online 1.30pm–5pm: Better business practices
Day two Wednesday 20 May 2015 Newman Room 9am–12.30pm: Building your online strategy 1pm–4.30pm: Crisis planning Richardson Room 10am–12pm: Go online 1.30pm–4pm: Marketing for growth Council Chambers 9.30am–11.30am: Pricing for profit 12pm–2pm: Setting a financial strategy 2pm–4pm: Exiting your business
Conference pricing $30 per session $25 Day one networking lunch $15 Day two lunch Discount packages $75 Day one (includes networking lunch) $65 Day two (includes lunch) $130 Full conference (includes day one and two, networking lunch, day two lunch and maximum of five sessions) Page 07
Working with Council Tuesday 14 July 2015 5pm–7pm Gisborne Administration Centre 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne Cost: Free
How does your business grow? With approximately 5,000 businesses registered in the Macedon Ranges, Council is committed to supporting this thriving community. Our Economic Development & Tourism department responds to emerging needs, initiates relevant industry research and supports local businesses by: • assisting businesses with pre-application meetings for planning and building permits • delivering business seminars, networking and training programs • providing strategic advice and industry connections • being actively involved in industry research and studies • updating the business community via a monthly business and tourism eNewsletter • offering a business development incentive program that encourages new business and supports growth in existing businesses. For more information on business support, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au
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workshops
Free workshops
Businesses are invited to come along to our free workshop to gain an understanding of the statutory processes for permit applications and other legislative requirements. Information will also be provided on how Council plans for the future growth of our region. For bookings, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or contact Lianne on 5422 0207 or via ecodevadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au Bookings are essential.
Weed management Saturday 13 June 2015 10am–2pm Grange Cleveland Winery 55 Shannons Road, Lancefield Cost: Free and includes lunch
Gain an understanding of what’s growing in your paddock. Learn how to take action to effectively manage your business costs. For bookings, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or contact Lianne on 5422 0207 or via ecodevadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au Bookings are essential.
:: Business development and support
Agribusiness Plan update Almost two years has passed since Council developed the Macedon Ranges Agribusiness Plan 2013-2018. In that time, the following actions have been delivered: • Macedon Ranges Agribusiness Forum established • Kyneton Saleyards Strategic Plan underway—to be completed by 2015 • Big Ideas Small Landholders workshop held • Weed management workshops held • Producers award established at the annual business awards • Land management projects consultation held with the Forum • Producers Guide project commenced. For more information on the Agribusiness Plan, contact Boyd on 5421 9615 or via bmaplestone@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Kyneton Saleyards Strategic Plan The Macedon Ranges Agribusiness Plan identified the development of the Kyneton Saleyards Strategic Plan as critical to economic and social development in the region. The project has been funded with $60,000 from the Victorian Government and $25,000 from Council. During the initial consultation for the plan, information was collected via a survey, the local community, and stakeholder workshops. Further community input will be called for later in the year when a draft strategic plan will be exhibited for comment. Updates will be available on mrsc.vic.gov.au
Producers Guide expressions of interest Are you a local agribusiness? Do you sell products locally? Are you wanting to increase connections with local businesses to sell your product? To better understand the opportunities and barriers to selling your product locally, we would like to hear your feedback as we are in the process of developing a local Producers Guide. To register your interest and your business as a local producer, please visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or contact Boyd on 5421 9615.
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What’s in Council’s 2015/16 draft From Friday 1–Friday 29 May, Council will put forward to the community how it proposes to spend ratepayer and grant funding to support local services, facilities and infrastructure in the forthcoming financial year.
Where will my rates go? (per ratepayer)
Below is a snapshot of the many services Council provides, along with an estimate of Council’s proposed spend per ratepayer in 2015/16. Proposed spending is based on operating expenses and do not include capital expenses. Garbage & recycling collection
Council roads, drains & paths
Recreation & sport facilities, incl. Hanging Rock
Planning & building services
Kindergartens, maternal and child health
Maintenance of parks & open spaces
Aged & disability support services
Emergencies, local laws enforcement & public health
Arts, culture & youth services
Business & tourism development
Libraries
Environmental programs & weed control
$321 $195 $160 $65
$301
$275
$182 $113 $59
$169 $95 $39
Do you agree with our resource allocations? Let us know when you send in your budget submission.
Have your say
mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
Do you agree with our proposed rate payer spend above and our priorities on the following page? Why not discuss this with your household, and tell us: • whether you think Council should increase spending in a certain area. If so, to allow for this, where should we decrease spending? • what you see as the most important project or service for your local area, or for the wider region. Is it included in the draft budget? While it won’t be possible to implement every suggestion, your feedback won’t be in vain—it could be referred to future budget processes for consideration.
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If you support or object to any aspect of our draft budget, make sure you let us know by sending us a submission. Submissions are accepted in the following ways: • Post: PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 • Email: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Key dates
• Submissions due: 11am on Friday 29 May • Council meeting for those who wish to present their submission in person: 7pm on Wednesday 3 June • Council meeting to consider submissions and adopt the budget: 7pm on Wednesday 17 June The Council meetings will take place at the Council offices on Robertson Street, Gisborne.
:: 2015/16 budget
budget?
Have your say
We value the lifestyle on offer in this beautiful place we call home. Here are some examples of how this budget proposes to build on that sense of place. To see the full draft budget, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or drop into a Council service centre.
Our service priorities— we will continue to: • slash about 1,000 km of roadsides for fire prevention purposes • undertake roadside weed control, bushland reserve management, tree maintenance and drainage • collect waste and recyclables from 18,000 households • fund local library services • encourage local job creation by supporting businesses and promoting tourism • maintain 40 playgrounds, 20 sports reserves, five indoor stadiums, five skate parks, four aquatic centres and three BMX tracks • maintain 286 Council and community buildings • maintain over 1,600km of roads, 162km of footpaths, 136 road bridges and 58 footbridges • provide programs to 2,000 young people • deliver immunisation programs • provide kindergarten services to over 750 children across eight centres • provide learn to swim classes to 1,850 children • provide support to 450 babies and their mothers.
Key infrastructure projects—we will: • build an outdoor play space at Romsey and Swinburne Ave (Gisborne) kindergartens • build a new sporting pavilion at Dixon Field, Gisborne and a new netball pavilion in New Gisborne • construct $456,000 of new and replacement footpaths and extend the shared path along the Campaspe River in Kyneton • open the $3.7 million Early Learning Centre in Gisborne • reopen the refurbished Kyneton Bluestone Theatre and upgrade the Kyneton Museum • install lights at the Kyneton Showgrounds in partnership with the Kyneton Football Club • spend $2.5 million to rehabilitate the former Kyneton landfill.
New initiatives—we will: • begin replacing our street light lamps with energy efficient lamps • identify and map “horse friendly” trails and promote horse riding • implement Town Structure Plans for Kyneton, Woodend and Riddells Creek • implement healthy eating options at aquatic and leisure centres • invest $10,000 in the rehabilitation of Black Hill Reserve following the devastating bushfires • invest an extra $42,000 towards new and replacement street trees • provide grants and support to communities to identify and address local infrastructure needs • prepare an Environmental Management Plan for Hanging Rock • take over maintenance of the Clarkefield recreation reserve • prepare a range of new strategies for leisure, environment, positive ageing and early years services. • prepare new urban design guidelines.
Our revenue and expenditure —we will: • collect about $36 million from rates • charge about $14 million in fees • receive about $19 million in government grants • borrow about $4 million • spend about $54 million on services • invest about $19 million on buildings, roads and other infrastructure • increase rates and charges by 4.8%: – from $1,740 to $1,814 for a median valued dwelling – from $2,099 to $2,201 for a median valued farm – from $1,629 to $1,707 for a median valued business.
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Your Councillors
Cr John Connor West Ward
Cr Ian Ellis East Ward
Cr John Letchford South Ward
Our summer events season at Hanging Rock seems to increase in popularity each year, with new international concert acts and more people attending our annual film night and camp out events than ever before. The season concluded with a memorable performance by Rod Stewart on 28 March to a crowd of 10,000, following on from the Eagles in 28 February. It was great to see so many locals take advantage of these opportunities to see world-class acts perform in their own region, along with the many local businesses who catered to visitors over each concert weekend. The concerts were the first to use the new lighting in the Crown Reserve section of Hanging Rock, which will improve patron safety for all future night-time events. As we approach winter, keep an eye out for what’s happening around the region, particularly our excellent community-organised events. We just saw how successful the Woodend Lions Art Show was—one of the best we’ve ever seen—and expect great things once again at the upcoming Woodend Winter Arts Festival. These volunteer-run activities bring many benefits to the region, not just economically but also in bringing people together and supporting community wellbeing.
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Two major facilities are now available for community use in Gisborne, giving local schools and sporting groups more recreational options than ever before. The New Gisborne outdoor netball complex has been used for netball competitions for some months now with a brand new pavilion under construction, and the Gisborne stadium was recently opened to cater for a range of sports including basketball, netball and indoor soccer. In Woodend, major drainage works have been completed at Gilbert Gordon Oval, which will be ready for play after the grass has established in time for spring, and in Kyneton a unique, nature-based community park is about to be constructed. Thank you to the many hundreds of residents, horse owners, pony clubs and equine businesses cross the shire who provided input into the draft feasibility study into establishing a regional equine centre in the Macedon Ranges. We had 777 responses to our survey which asked people what they thought about this proposal, and Council officers are currently collating all your feedback. The draft feasibility study will be reviewed in light of your feedback and then presented to Council later this year. If the concept has broad community support, it will then be presented to the Victorian Government for further development. After many months of budget deliberations, we are now seeking your feedback on how Council allocates funds in 2015/16 to services and projects that benefit the whole community. Take a look at our budget feature in this edition and think about what matters to you: don’t miss this opportunity to put forward your views on what you see as the very best use of ratepayer funds this coming financial year. Councils play a very diverse role in the community, and there are many competing areas that demand our limited resources, but at the end of the day, the way these are allocated must be driven by broad community input. Finally, a reminder to look after each other particularly as we approach the cooler months of the year and the shorter days. Mental wellbeing is as important as our physical health, and domestic violence is a very real issue in our community so we encourage everyone to reach out to others and offer your support.
:: Your Councillors
Councillor community catch ups Residents and community groups now have the opportunity to book a one-on-one meeting with the Mayor and Councillors to discuss local issues. Twenty minute meetings can be booked from 7pm–9pm at the following locations: Wednesday 6 May: Kyneton Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison St, Kyneton Wednesday 5 August: Romsey Hub, Monegeetta Room, 96–100 Main St, Romsey Wednesday 7 October: Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre, Classroom 1, Hamilton St, Gisborne. To book an appointment, contact Debbie Peter on 5422 0313 or dpeter@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Your rates at work
Council is in the final months of delivering the Roads and Footpaths Capital Works Program for 2014/2015. Approximately 60% of the program has been completed with the following works due for completion before 30 June 2015. Once works are completed, 6.5km of new road and 1,150m of new footpath will have been constructed.
Roads
• Rodney Street, Gisborne between Howey and Fisher streets (Special Charge Scheme) • Kyneton-Baynton Road, Baynton between Burke & Wills Track and Budds Lane (Country Roads and Bridge Initiative) • Market Street car park, Kyneton (Council-funded) • Kyneton-Spring Hill Road, Kyneton between Harts Lane and Sebastopol Road (Roads to Recovery Program) • Ashbourne Road, Woodend between Booths Lane and Donalds Road (Roads to Recovery Program) • Lauriston Reservoir Road, Kyneton between Harpers Lane and Rogers Drive (Roads to Recovery Program) • Stawell Street, Romsey between Melbourne-Lancefield Road and Pohlman Street (Council-funded).
Footpaths
• Smith Street, Macedon between Victoria Street and Ash Wednesday Park (Council-funded) • Gisborne streetscape, Brantome and Hamilton streets (Regional Development Victoria).
PAGE 13 Page
Appealing
Siting requirements for single dwellings and outbuildings If you are building a single dwelling or outbuilding, make sure it complies with building regulations. If it doesn’t, you will need to apply for a Report and Consent of Council. The siting of single dwellings and associated outbuildings—including verandahs, decks and sheds on allotments exceeding 300m2 in area —are governed by the Building Regulations 2006. This includes requirements such as: • minimum front and side building setbacks • maximum building height • the use of permeable surfaces such as grass, garden beds, gravel driveways • minimum number of car parking spaces and sizes • overlooking—when a building allows views of neighbouring properties • overshadowing—when a building casts a shadow over neighbouring properties. You may also need to meet additional requirements if: • a planning permit is required for the proposed work • a covenant or restriction on title places specific siting provisions on any development of the property. Applications for Report and Consent of Council must include sufficient information, including plans and reasons why the building cannot comply with the siting requirements. Where an adjoining owner may suffer detriment, Council will write to the affected property owners for their comments. Council will take any comments from neighbours into account when assessing an application. However, unlike planning legislation, aggrieved neighbours do not have a right of appeal if they do not agree with Council’s decision. If Council refuses an application for a Report and Consent, the applicant may appeal to the Building Appeals Board, which may overturn Council’s decision. For more information regarding siting requirements, contact Council’s Building unit on 5422 0333.
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a fine
Have you received a Council infringement notice but believe you have grounds for appeal? Council issues fines to reduce local incidents that affect community safety and liveability, such as fire hazards, wandering livestock, dogs at large, parking and unregistered animals. Council is always willing to consider appeals on legitimate grounds, such as exceptional or special circumstances. Sometimes we may withdraw a fine if it is a first offence and give you a warning instead, but leniency will not be applied for repeat offences. If you’ve received a fine but don’t agree with it, you may lodge an appeal with Council, but it must be made in writing before the due date on your infringement notice. A phone call to Council is not an accepted form of appeal. When you receive an infringement notice, to avoid additional legal costs it is important you do not ignore it. You will receive a reminder notice before your infringement is referred to the Victorian Infringements Court. Once this occurs, it is too late for Council to process an appeal. To avoid additional legal costs or other penalties such as the suspension of your licence or vehicle, make sure you either pay your fine or lodge your appeal before the due date on your most recent notice.
:: Siting requirements • Fines • Subscribe to eNews
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Contact Council
You can contact Council by: Phone 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577* Email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Website mrsc.vic.gov.au Post 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 www.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, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters or call 5422 0302.
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Present this voucher during Healthy Heart Week at Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre and receive a free HeartMoves class or swim pass. See page 2 for details. Valid from Monday 22 to Friday 26 June 2015. Limit one per person.
Free coffee at the Kyneton Town Hall Present this voucher to enjoy a free baristamade coffee at one of our performance season shows in 2015. For event details and bookings, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts or call 1300 888 802.
Request a New Resident Kit
Are you new to the shire?
Contact us to request a New Resident Kit to be sent to you! Submit a request online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/new-residents call 5422 0333 or visit a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend.
Cr Ian Ellis Mobile: 0400 025 455 iellis@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Graham Hackett Mobile: 0408 287 788 ghackett@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Henry McLaughlin Mobile: 0400 028 507 hmclaughlin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 12 :: May 2015
South Ward Cr John Letchford Mobile: 0401 682 364 jletchford@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Russell Mowatt (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0418 531 281 rmowatt@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Sally Piper Mobile: 0400 865 543 spiper@mrsc.vic.gov.au
West Ward
Your Councillors
Voucher Voucher Voucher
Free HeartMoves class or swim pass
East Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson (Mayor) Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr John Connor Mobile: 0412 870 500 jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
2015/16
budget Page 10–11
Supporting local producers and agribusiness