Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 13 :: July 2015
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Nominate our young achievers
Page 7
Should you be parking there?
Stay active this winter Page 9
Home-cooked food by neighbours, for neighbours
Page 12
Support local business and buy local
What’s on
Winter in the Mac
Live theatre and music Drowning in Veronica Lake
Stripey
The EGGScellent adventures of an emu chick Friday 10 July at 6pm Saturday 11 July at 1pm and 3pm Imagine having to keep track of 30 small emu chicks, who are running here, there and everywhere. $17 each, $60 per family or $15 for groups of eight or more.
Back to Broadway Friday 24 July at 11.30am An all-singing, all-dancing, theatrical sensation that invites you to take a breathtaking journey through the magical world of musicals. $18 or $15 for groups of eight or more.
The Lost WW1 Diaries of Paddy Callinan Friday 31 July at 8.30pm Obsessed from a young age about all things Anzac, comedian Damian Callinan routinely visits regional war memorials in search of diggers bearing his name. One day he finds an old WW1 diary of Paddy Callinan in a Warrnambool op shop. Is Paddy the mysterious digger his family never speak of? $35 or $30 for concession/ groups of eight and more.
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Thursday 6 August at 8pm This one-woman show will take you on a fantastic ride through the life of ‘40s starlet, Veronica Lake. $30 or $25 for concession/ groups of eight and more.
Grigoryan Brothers Friday 14 August at 7.30pm The Grigoryan Brothers are coming to Kyneton for one night only to perform a selection of musical works from their vast repertoire. $35 or $30 for concession/ groups of eight and more.
Viennese Masterworks Friday 21 August at 11.30am Enjoy a superb performance of masterworks by Beethoven, Schubert, Kreisler and Strauss in this program of elegant gems from Vienna, the music capital of the world. $18 or $15 for groups of eight and more.
Purchase tickets
Phone 1300 888 802 Online mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts/buytickets Visit a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend (see page 19 for locations).
:: What’s on in the Macedon Ranges
edon Ranges Save the date
Coming up in September Kyneton Antique and Vintage Fair 4–6 September, Kyneton Town Hall Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival 3–13 September, various locations around Kyneton Mt Macedon and District Horticultural Society Plant Lovers Market 19–20 September, Bolobek, 370 Mt Macedon Road, Macedon
Meet your Councillors 5 August and 14 October 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 5 August, Romsey Community Hub, 96–100 Main Street, Romsey • Wednesday 14 October*, Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre, Hamilton Street, Gisborne. *Note: this session will replace the previously advertised session that was to be held on 7 October. To book an appointment, contact Debbie on 5422 0313 or dpeter@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Markets
Woodend Farmers Market 1st Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, High Street, Woodend Gisborne Olde Time Market 1st Sunday of each month, 9am–2pm, Hamilton Street, Gisborne Kyneton Farmers Market 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, St Paul’s Park, Kyneton Rotary Community Market 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, 17 Piper Street, Kyneton Malmsbury Market 2nd Sunday of each month, 9am–3pm, Malmsbury General Store, Mollison Street Riddells Creek Farmers Market 3rd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, Riddells Creek Primary School, Main Road Lancefield Farmers Market 4th Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, Centre Plantation, High Street, Lancefield
Exploring our history It’s a tea cosy exhibition Showcasing both the traditional and trendy, this colourful display of tea cosies offers a fascinating insight into how the tea cosy was transformed from just a humble cover to a work of art. Come along and discover everything that you didn’t know about the tea cosy. On display until 27 September at the Kyneton Museum. For more information, contact 1300 888 802 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/museum
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Nominate our young achievers Every year the Macedon Ranges Youth Awards get bigger and bigger—with more and more extraordinary young people across the Macedon Ranges being celebrated for the incredible things they do to help make this place such a vibrant place to live. Do you know a young person between 12–25 years of age who lives, works or goes to school in the Macedon Ranges and deserves to be publicly acknowledged and celebrated?
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Awards
Perhaps they are: • excelling in the arts; • giving their all to their education; • an exceptional employee or apprentice; • best on ground in a sporting endeavour; • flying the flag for youth mental health and wellbeing; or • contributing to our community in other ways? If so, then we want to hear from you.
Nominate today!
You can nominate online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/youthawards or pick up a nomination form from a Council service centre (see page 19 for locations). Nominations close Friday 31 July at 5pm. To find out more, contact Annie on 5422 0226 or arowland@mrsc.vic.gov.au The awards will be held on Tuesday 25 August at 7pm at the Kyneton Town Hall.
Register now for
Battle of the Bands Registrations are now open for bands, solo acts and duos interested in competing in the Macedon Ranges annual Battle of the Bands competition on 1 August in Kyneton.
Battle Page 04
:: Youth • Family
The winner receives a cash prize and will go through to the regional finals to be held later this year. Battle of the Bands events provide bands with a platform to have their music heard by a large audience. Winners of the regional finals get the opportunity to perform at the grand final event at Melbourne’s Moomba Festival in March 2016. To register for Battle of the Bands, email mits@mrsc.vic.gov.au, call 5422 0242 or find us on Facebook, facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
s
Woodend Occasional Care
Occasional care supports families by providing flexible care for children on a short-term or regular basis. Families can entrust the care of their children for short periods of time to a supportive early learning environment where they can socialise and interact with other children. Our service in Woodend offers high quality care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years (who do not attend school). Sessions are held on: • Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am–12pm at Buffalo Sports Stadium, Forest Street, Woodend • Fridays from 9am–12pm at Woodend Community Hub, Forest Street, Woodend. For more information or to book your place, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children
Kinder enrolments it’s not too late! It is not too late to enrol your child at a Council-run kindergarten for 2016. There are still places available for three and four year old kinder programs at kindergartens in Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Woodend. If you hold a current Health Care Card, you may be eligible to enrol at low or no cost.
When can my child attend kindergarten? Your child needs to have turned three before they can commence the three-year-old program. If your child turns four before 30 April next year, they are eligible to attend funded four-year-old kindergarten in 2016. For more information, contact our Early Years unit on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children
Junior sports development programs Junior sports programs for primary school aged students who are interested in learning to play basketball or soccer will be held in Romsey and Kyneton during the school term. The programs teach children the fundamentals of these popular sports in a fun, indoor, noncompetitive environment. All participants receive their own basketball, or soccer and shin guards.
Basketball • Shooting Hoops sessions are held at the Romsey Recreation Centre every Tuesday from 4pm–4.45pm. • An 8-week Aussie Hoops program will commence at the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre from Thursday 30 July.
Soccer • Goal Kick sessions are held at the Romsey Recreation Centre every Friday from 4pm–4.45pm. For more information, contact the Romsey Recreation Centre on 5429 5637 or the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre on 5421 1477.
Immunisation sessions location change Immunisation sessions are held on the first Thursday of each month in Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend and on the third Tuesday in Riddells Creek and Romsey. From July–October, immunisation sessions in Riddells Creek will be moved from the Senior Citizens Centre on Main Street to the Maternal & Child Health Centre at 23–25 Mahoneys Road. For more information or to download an immunisation session timetable, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/immunisations or contact 5422 0333.
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Casserole Club Diner, Peggy and Cook, Jessica. Photography by Rob Gateley.
Home-cooked food
by neighbours, for neighbours Casserole Club is a local food sharing initiative where volunteer cooks from the community make an extra portion of a home-cooked meal for a diner (for example, a neighbour) who is older and/or unable to cook for themselves. Since its launch in Lancefield in October last year, the project has seen many new friendships formed and over 100 home-cooked meals have been shared. Council is now pleased to announce that Casserole Club is taking registrations from interested cooks and diners in all townships across the shire. Could you cook an extra portion of dinner for an older neighbour? Sign up as a Cook at casseroleclub.com.au and we will connect you with a diner who lives nearby. Would you like to share a home-cooked meal prepared by a friendly neighbour? If you’re older, or are on your own and unable to cook, join Casserole Club and we will connect you with a friendly neighbour who will deliver you a delicious home-cooked meal. To find out more or to sign up as a Cook or Diner, contact Jess on 5422 0233 or visit casseroleclub.com.au
Community Cook-up
To celebrate the success of the program to date, the Casserole Club community is planning a Community Cook-up event on Thursday 16 July at the Romsey Community Hub. Casserole Club cooks and diners will prepare their favourite recipes together before everyone sits down to enjoy a scrumptious social meal. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more about Casserole Club and how to get involved. Places are limited, so make sure you register by Friday 10 July by contacting Jess on 5422 0233.
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:: Casserole Club • Age-friendly communities
Should you be parking there? There are approximately 1,700 disability parking permit holders in the shire and finding disability parking spaces—also known as accessible parking spaces—close to the shops can be a real challenge for many people. Motorists are reminded that only drivers with a valid permit can park in disability parking spaces. These designated parking spaces are located close to building entrances, are wider than an average parking space and usually have the international symbol of access displayed on the ground and on signs near the parking space. Motorists who park in a disability parking space without a valid permit may be issued with a $148 fine. It is important that permit holders also check that they have a current permit. Recent figures indicate that 45 per cent of fines issued so far in 2015 were for expired permits. Permits must be renewed every three years. It is also an offence to give your permit to anyone else. If the permit is no longer required, it must be returned to one of our service centres (see page 19 for locations). Disability parking permit holder and Kyneton resident, Margaret Baker, said that she regularly witnesses people without a valid permit using disability parking spaces. “Also, it’s common to see people using a valid permit that has been issued to a friend or relative who they drive around, yet they are still parking in a disability spot even when they don’t have the permit holder on board. “One day you too may find yourself in the position of needing a disability permit and the availability of close parking at your destination. Please think before you take one of these valuable spots,” she said. For more information about disability parking permits, contact 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/disability-parking
Disability parking permit holder, Margaret Baker.
Becoming age-friendly Council has made a commitment to become an age-friendly community, with the endorsement of the Age-friendly Communities Action Plan earlier this year. The plan identifies four key areas of action that will: • improve access to information • improve access to health and support services • increase opportunities for volunteering and employment • increase social and community activities.
and communities from all over the world who are committed to promoting healthy and active ageing, and supporting a good quality of life for older residents. To find out more or to view a copy of the plan, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/age-friendly or contact Rebecca on 5422 0262.
The development of the plan also supports Council’s application to the World Health Organisation to become a member of the Global Network of Age-friendly Communities—a network of cities
A special thank you
thanks
As we move into this new era for positive ageing in the Macedon Ranges, it is important that we recognise the efforts of our Positive Ageing Advisory Committee and thank all the members for their contribution to making our shire more age-friendly. Macedon Ranges Shire Council was one of the first Victorian local governments to establish an older persons’ advisory group. Since 2008, the committee has been a staunch advocate for the interests of older people in the region. One of the committee’s first tasks was to help assess the ‘agefriendliness’ of Macedon Ranges townships according to World Health Organisation criteria. This laid the foundations for Council’s decision to seek membership of
the Global Network of Age-friendly Communities (see above). Along the way, the committee has advocated for improvements to our footpath networks, public seating and public transport services across the shire. The committee also initiated ‘Dying to Talk’, an annual event that allows older people to discuss matters of importance to them as they approach the end of life. The committee met for the last time in June 2015 but its work will be continued through the implementation of the Agefriendly Communities Action Plan and the Health and Wellbeing Committee—a new, communitybased committee that will promote positive health and wellbeing for all ages and abilities across the shire. Page 07
The Stadium Gisborne The Stadium in Gisborne officially opened its doors to the public in April and is already being enjoyed by many local sporting and community groups. The $4 million facility, which is based at the Gisborne Secondary College, is a joint project between Gisborne Secondary College, the Victorian Government and Council. It is used by the secondary college during school hours and by the community outside school hours and on weekends. The Stadium includes two indoor courts, change rooms, canteen facilities and a meeting room. To find out more about the activities on offer, or to hire a space for your program, contact 5428 1619 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/thestadium.
Basketball and Aussie Hoops Basketball coaching and competitions for all ages and abilities are held during school terms. For more information, contact Natalie on 0412 006 666 or email gisbornebulldogs@gmail.com
Netball
Soccer
Group fitness classes
A ladies evening netball competition is held on Wednesday nights from 6.30pm. To register a team or find out more, contact Helen on 0421 314 596.
Indoor soccer competitions for junior and senior players will commence in Term 4. To find out more, contact the Gisborne Soccer Club on 0417 791 280 or email:
Metafit exercise classes are a great way to improve your fitness. Classes are held on Friday mornings at 9am and Saturday mornings at 8am. Kids are welcome. For more information, contact Libby on 0421 733 750 or email libby@changeituptraining.com
Aussie Hoops is a fantastic first step for children under 10 wanting to learn how to play basketball. Saturday morning sessions will begin in Term 3. For more information, contact Andrew on 9744 4762 or email:
president@gisbornesoccerclub.com.au
operationsmanager@sunburybasketball.com.au
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:: The Stadium • Stay active
Stay active this winter From indoor volleyball and basketball competitions to gentle exercise classes for older residents, there is something for everyone at our indoor sports centres. Below are just some of the programs on offer during Term 3. To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or drop into your local centre today!
Mixed volleyball
Badminton
Netball
Basketball
Gentle exercise
Competitions are held in Riddells Creek on Monday evenings and Kyneton on Tuesday evenings. Suitable for all skill levels.
Badminton competitions are held in Macedon on Tuesday evenings from 8pm and Kyneton on Monday evenings from 7pm.
Ladies netball competitions are held in Woodend on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings; and in Kyneton on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm. Sign up individually or as a team.
Senior men’s competitions for over 15s are held in Riddells Creek on Tuesday evenings from 7.40pm and Kyneton on Tuesday evenings from 8pm. A senior mixed competition is also held in Riddells Creek on Thursdays from 7.30pm. A ladies competition is held in Kyneton on Monday evenings from 6.30pm.
Classes that are designed for the mature-age adult are regularly held at the Romsey Recreation Centre, Gisborne Fitness Centre, Buffalo Sports Stadium in Woodend and the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre.
A daytime ladies competition is also held in Macedon on Thursday mornings from 9.30am.
A teen basketball competition, which is suitable for new and experienced players aged between 13–16 years, is held at the Romsey Recreation Centre on Tuesdays from 6.30pm. Skills sessions are included. Individual registrations welcome.
Using a combination of cardio equipment and light weights, each class aims to improve flexibility, strength, balance and cardiovascular health.
Contact your local centre Buffalo Sports Stadium 1–29 Forest Street, Woodend 5427 3411 buffalo@ mrsc.vic.gov.au
Gisborne Fitness Centre 8 Hamilton Street, Gisborne 5428 3318 gisgymcman@ mrsc.vic.gov.au
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre 4 Victoria Street, Kyneton 5421 1477 ksacreception@ mrsc.vic.gov.au
Macedon Community Centre Waterfalls Road, Macedon Contact Buffalo Sports Stadium. (See details to the left).
Riddells Creek Leisure Centre Sutherlands Road, Riddells Creek 5428 7155 rclc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Romsey Recreation Centre 12 Park Lane, Romsey 5429 5637 rrc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Budget Council adopts its budget On 17 June, Council adopted its Budget Report 2015/16 and Council Plan 2013–2017 (Year three). A good budget balances environmental, infrastructure and social needs with the community’s capacity to pay. It plans for the long-term future wellbeing of our community while keeping rates affordable.
This budget includes $54 million in expenditure on services and $19 million in works to buildings, roads and other infrastructure.
What’s planned in my Ward? East ward
Main townships: Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield, Newham, Hesket, Darraweit Guim, Clarkefield • Implementation of a Town Structure Plan for Riddells Creek • Road widening and resealing works on Sandy Creek Road in Riddells Creek and Ochiltrees Road in Romsey • Road and footpath upgrades along High and Raglan streets in Lancefield • Construction of a new outdoor play space at Romsey Kindergarten • Installation of a pram crossing at the intersection of Main and Kathryn streets in Romsey • Finalisation of an Environmental Management Plan for Hanging Rock • Construction of a skate park in Lancefield.
South ward
Main townships: Mount Macedon, Macedon, New Gisborne, Gisborne, Bullengarook • Construction of new pavilions at Dixon Field in Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex in New Gisborne • Construction of a $3.7 million Early Learning Centre in Gisborne • Construction of a new outdoor play space at Swinburne Ave Kindergarten in Gisborne • Construction of a new footpath on Bruce Street in Macedon (extending from Victoria Street to the kindergarten) • Road upgrades on Brady Road in Gisborne • Upgrades at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre.
West ward
Main townships: Kyneton, Malmsbury, Lauriston, Carlsruhe, Tylden, Woodend • Extension of the shared path along the Campaspe River in Kyneton • Drainage works along Tucker Street and Daylesford Road in Malmsbury • Reopening of the refurbished Kyneton Bluestone Theatre • Upgrades at the Kyneton Museum • Lighting upgrades at the Kyneton Showgrounds • Implementation of Town Structure Plans for Kyneton and Woodend • Rehabilitation of the former Kyneton landfill • Road widening and resealing works on Kyneton-Springhill and Kyneton-Baynton roads.
Bud Page 10
:: 2015/16 budget
To find out more, visit of the 2015/16 Budget
for 2015/16
Budget Budget
How much will my rates increase?
How are my rates calculated?
Council rates and charges will increase by 4.8% in 2015/16. This means that a ratepayer living in a median valued property will pay $1,814 this year compared to $1,740 last year—a difference of $74. This will be a typical ‘rates bill’ for someone living in a house valued at $445,000 in January 2014, with a garbage, recycling and garden bin.
Your rates contribute to the various services provided by Macedon Ranges Shire Council. How much you pay depends on the value of your property. To calculate your rates, Council first determines its budget for the year. The total rates we need to collect are then divided by the total value of all properties in the shire, which establishes what is called a ‘rate in the dollar’. The rate in the dollar is then multiplied by the value of your property to determine your rates. Note: every property in the shire has been valued based on the amount it would sell for on the open market as at January 2014 (property values are reviewed every two years). Your property’s value is shown on your rates notice.
How is the budget spent? Council’s budget is funded by rates, fees, grants, interest and borrowings. The following summary provides an explanation of how much will be spent per ratepayer in 2015/16. Note: these figures are based on operating expenses and do not include capital expenses.
dget Garbage & recycling collection
Corporate services, including debt and interest repayments
Council roads, drains & paths
Recreation & sport facilities, incl. Hanging Rock
Planning & building services
Kindergartens, maternal & child health
Maintenance of parks & open spaces
Council & customer service
Aged & disability support services
Emergencies, local laws enforcement & public health
Organisational development
Arts, culture & youth services
Business & tourism development
Libraries
Environmental programs & weed control
$321 $275
$169 $113 $65
$313
$195
$168 $101 $59
mrsc.vic.gov.au/plan-and-budget to view a copy Report and Council Plan 2013–2017 (Year three).
$301
$182 $160 $95 $39
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Looking for a local business? Are you often looking for locally-based businesses where you can purchase goods and services and support our local economy? With more than 1,000 local businesses listed, simply visit our online business directory at mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-directory and buy local. The directory covers all major sectors such as retail, training, trades, healthcare, accommodation and much more.
Support local business and buy local Council is developing a buy local campaign that will encourage residents and business to purchase local goods and services, and increase local job opportunities. We are keen to hear from local businesses who are interested in developing their own ‘Buy Local’ programs. These programs will be further supported through the development of a Macedon Ranges Producers Guide, which will outline opportunities for local residents, businesses and wholesalers to connect with local producers. If you would like to get involved, or if you run a local business and have any ideas for an innovative ‘Buy Local’ program, contact Boyd on 5421 9615 or email bmaplestone@mrsc.vic.gov.au As part of the campaign, local businesses are encouraged to register their details to be included in our online business directory. Businesses must be located in the Macedon Ranges Shire and it’s free to register. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-directory to register your details.
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Next stage for equine centre study Council will approach the Victorian Government to pursue the next steps for the establishment of an equine centre in the shire, including the development of a full business case. The Equine Centre feasibility study was officially endorsed at the May Council meeting. As part of the next stage, Council will work with the Victorian Government to undertake detailed financial and economic modelling and a comprehensive risk assessment. The potential boost to the economy and the creation of local jobs are considered major benefits to the proposal, with over half (56%) of the employed population of the Macedon Ranges currently leaving the area for work. The study was available for community comment earlier this year and received 789 survey responses, 21 written submissions and 102 attendees at information sessions. 95.2% of the submissions received indicated their support for the project. The feasibility study is an action in the 2012–17 Equine Strategy, which aims to support the sustainable growth of the equine industry and create local employment opportunities. The equine industry contributes an estimated $140 million each year to the local economy. For more information, contact Leanne on 5421 9617 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/equine-centre
:: Economic development • Tourism
Training for businesses Working with Council workshop 14 July, 5pm–7pm Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson St, Gisborne Cost: free.
Regional business networking night 4 August, 6.30pm–10pm 24 Piper Street, Kyneton Cost: $35
New digital tools for business The Macedon Ranges is renowned for its beautiful scenery, award-winning food and wine, boutique accommodation and world class events at Hanging Rock, but there’s a lot more to our region than meets the eye. To help spread the word about the many experiences our region has to offer, Council, in partnership with Tourism Macedon Ranges Inc, has developed a handy digital kit that is designed to make it easier for businesses to be ambassadors for the place we call home. The kit, which is provided on a USB drive, contains a range of information about tourism in the Macedon Ranges and the contribution it makes to the local economy. It profiles our region’s products and attractions and includes resources to assist local businesses in communicating with visitors, such as professionally written marketing materials and images of the local region.
Romsey region Business and Tourism Association business breakfast 28 August, 7am–9.30am 160 Glenfern Road, Romsey Cost: $40 Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events to book your place, or for more information, contact 5421 9616.
Tourism website set to receive a facelift An exciting redevelopment of the region’s official tourism website, visitmacedonranges.com is about to commence. The site, which is the official regional tourism website for the Macedon Ranges and averages around 30,000 visitors each month, showcases our picturesque region and provides our visitors with information about accommodation, festivals and events, food and wine, markets and much more. If you would like to find out more or get involved, contact Shane on 5421 9638 or email scaruana@mrsc.vic.gov.au
It also contains advice about how to grow your business, and outlines the types of support and assistance that Council provides to businesses in the Macedon Ranges. To request a kit, contact 1800 244 711, email vic@mrsc.vic.gov.au or drop into one of our Visitor Information Centres in Woodend or Kyneton.
coming soon!
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Your Councillors
Cr Russell Mowatt South Ward We live in a special place and I’m always aware that as your Councillor it’s important we get the right mix and balance between growth and preserving our natural environment where we can. I’m very pleased to see construction of a new netball pavilion well underway at the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex in New Gisborne, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for netballers and umpires for many years to come. Construction of the Gisborne Early Learning Centre is also about to start, and will provide a multi-purpose facility for the growing number of young families in the town. Rodney Street has been reconstructed into a full width sealed road suitable for accommodating dual traffic, complete with a footpath, kerb and channel. Landscaping and drainage works have also been completed as part of the $332,000 project. Streetscape works are also complete along Brantome and Hamilton streets in the Gisborne town centre, providing an improved shopping experience for retailers and residents. As the wet weather approaches, Council is completing a number of bridge, road reconstruction and widening works in townships across the shire. However it is unfortunate that the Victorian Government has removed funding for local roads and bridges of $1 million per year, and Regional Infrastructure Development funding of $625,000 per year. In real terms this represents 5% of rates and will have a significant impact in the future. In 2015/16, Council’s budget proposes over $19 million in works to buildings, roads and other infrastructure and includes a 4.8% rate increase—keeping rate rises under 5% for the eighth consecutive year.
To find out more about what’s included in the 2015/16 Budget, see pages 10–11.
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Cr Jennifer Anderson West Ward Although built projects for community benefit are there for all to see, and a large proportion of rates are used for roads, recreation and community services, it is often the little things that we do that have the biggest impact. One of the distinctive characteristics of the Macedon Ranges is that we have unique towns and villages, with quite different people, with diverse needs and aspirations. Many people come here to have a sense of belonging, surrounded by natural beauty, yet the very nature of what attracts them can also be isolating, and difficult should they desire anonymity whilst also requiring support. This can be challenging for us when trying to coordinate services, and I would like to highlight some areas where Council is leading the way in doing this well. Our Youth Development Team do an amazing job, guiding our young people to create positive changes both amongst their peers and in the community at large. Our Youth Ambassadors and Live4Life—a mental health initiative that is rolling out mental health first aid training to teenagers, parents and teachers across the shire—are two fantastic programs I am immensely proud of as not many other councils have this level of engagement in these areas. Also, the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group is a new endeavour in which Council is an active partner. It aims to raise community awareness, provide education, establish support groups and advocate for improved access to services in the Macedon Ranges. These initiatives have the ability to make a significant difference, both to those suffering from mental health issues, and their friends and family. It is a team effort, and I would like to thank not only those who volunteer their time to assist in these programs and make people feel safe, welcome and part of our community, but also Council staff, who go out of their way to contribute to healthier, happier outcomes for all. You have not gone unnoticed. For more information about these programs, contact us on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au
:: Your Councillors • Your rates at work
New footpath in Macedon
Cr Graham Hackett East Ward As we move into the second half of 2015, it’s exciting to see works to improve access in, and around, the Riddells Creek Seniors Centre and Kindergarten starting to take shape. The improvements include the installation of accessible ramps for wheelchairs and prams, landscaping and façade works, toilet and parking upgrades, and the construction of much-needed office space at the seniors centre. I’m looking forward to celebrating the success of the local Casserole Club at a Community Cookup in Romsey on 16 July (see page 6 to find out more). This program has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in Lancefield last year and I would encourage everyone to come along to the cook-up event and find out what this terrific program is all about. It would be great if we could see this program rolled out to other townships in the shire. Negotiations are continuing with the Victorian Government to purchase the former Romsey Primary School site for an all abilities children’s park. Council restated its support for the project at its April meeting and I welcome the opportunity to continue to work with the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park (GRAAP) committee on this project. Agreement of the purchase conditions are now close to being finalised, with the Victorian Government expected to provide Council with a building assessment and environmental site assessment shortly, before a new version of the contract of sale is prepared. Lastly, it’s great to see a number of East ward projects in Council’s 2015/16 Budget, including the Lancefield Skate Park development; and upgrades to the Romsey Recreation Centre, Romsey Kindergarten and Lancefield Outdoor Pool. More information about what’s in the 2015/16 Budget is included on pages 10–11.
Your rates at work Roads and footpaths The following road and footpath works have recently been completed: • Road widening works on Stawell Street in Romsey to improve traffic movement, drainage and property access. • Surface upgrades to a 300 metre section of Ashbourne Road and a 500 metre section of Lauriston-Reservoir Road to provide more even, safer surfaces. • Installation of guardrails and road widening works along Tylden-Springhill and KynetonSpringhill roads to improve safety. • Significant drainage works to address flooding issues along High Street in Lancefield. • Construction of a new footpath between Victoria Street and Ash Wednesday Park in Macedon. • Reconstruction of Rodney Street in Gisborne to include a full width sealed road for dual traffic, plus construction of a footpath, kerb and channel, and landscaping and drainage works.
Streetscapes Streetscape works along Brantome and Hamilton Streets in the Gisborne town centre are now complete, providing an improved shopping experience for retailers and residents. Works included bluestone feature seating, speed humps, new pedestrian asphalt footpaths, installation of environmentally-friendly tree pits, bicycle hoops, street trees, and upgrade of underground drainage. The $400,000 project involved a number of construction works between the National Australia Bank Branch and the IGA Supermarket and was jointly funded by the Victorian Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
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Wet roads in winter
Remember that during the winter months, weather conditions can alter our road surfaces significantly, particularly on unsealed roads. There are over 800kms of unsealed roads within the Macedon Ranges and unlike sealed roads, unsealed pavements can deteriorate rapidly during the wetter months. To improve your safety in wet, foggy or icy conditions, remember to: • turn on your headlights to improve your visibility • reduce your speed • obey temporary speed restrictions • leave a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you as slippery roads can reduce your tyres’ grip and stopping may take longer.
Our environment, our future Over the next 12 months, a new environment strategy will be developed to guide how Council and the community can work together to protect and enhance the Macedon Ranges.
Council is committed to fostering environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviour to reduce our collective environmental footprint. The new strategy will guide planning, decision-making and activities that impact on our unique environment and local communities. Some key areas to be addressed include biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable land and water management.
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Some background research undertaken in recent months will provide the basis for the first round of community consultation which will soon get underway. For more information, contact Silvana on 5421 9659 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-strategy, where you can subscribe to our project eNewsletter to receive regular updates and find out how you can be involved.
:: Winter roads • Environment • Pets
Pets out and about In the Macedon Ranges, dogs in public places are not required to be on a lead, unless the area is signed. This does not apply to dogs that have been declared dangerous, menacing or are restricted breed, who must be on a lead at all times. After a review of pets in public places last year, Council has decided not to designate on and off lead areas for dogs as it was too restrictive on dog owners. Council also decided not to introduce a cat curfew at this time and to instead encourage the use of its current cat trapping program. To find out more about the cat trapping program, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/wandering-animals Council’s current Domestic Animal Management Plan, which sets out how we can be an animal-friendly shire, will expire next year. A new four-year plan will be developed involving community consultation, at which time Council will review the need for on and off lead areas.
Recovery at Black Hill Reserve Fire recovery works are continuing at Black Hill Reserve in Kyneton after fire struck the popular reserve in January. Completed works • Removal or lopping of dangerous trees • Erosion control • Repairs to the walking track • Removal of damaged signs, fencing and barbed wire.
Works underway • Pest animal control • Weed control • Replacement of signs, including directional signs along the walking paths. A flora monitoring program has also been completed. This involved conducting a flora survey at five different sites within the reserve to monitor the re-growth of native plants, grasses and noxious weeds. Wildlife is starting to return to the reserve, including echidnas, wallabies, kangaroos, sugar gliders, koalas and possums. Wildlife cameras that were set up as part of a fauna monitoring program have also captured sightings of the brush-tailed Phascogale, a threatened species that is significant to the area. Council would like to recognise the efforts of the Friends of Black Hill, Loddon Prison and many other volunteers who have been involved in the ongoing recovery process. The reserve will be reopened to the public later this year.
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Major projects Gardiner Reserve lighting and court upgrades Gardiner Reserve has undergone a recent facelift following the reconstruction of the netball court and installation of light towers. The reconstruction of the netball court and the new lighting meet competition standards so that local user groups can host night competition netball and football matches. The $350,000 project was funded by Macedon Ranges Shire Council ($180,000), local sporting and community groups ($70,000) and the Victorian Government ($100,000).
Woodend Pony Club works underway Refurbishment works at the Woodend Pony Club rooms are nearing completion. The $50,000 project includes upgrades to the outdated club room to better cater for the needs of the local pony club and scout group, who regularly use the facility. Construction of a new sand arena at the site is also underway and is expected to be finished later this month, weather permitting.
Healthy, safe wastewater in Mount Macedon Over 90 properties in Mount Macedon now have access to healthy, safe wastewater systems with the introduction of a new sewer system to over 30 properties, and the upgrade of 63 private septic systems in the town. The two phase project has been implemented through a partnership between Western Water and Council through funding from the Victorian Government. Council would like to thank the Mount Macedon community for their cooperation and support throughout the implementation of the project.
Barkly Square upgrades completed In recent years, almost $1 million has been invested in improvements at Barkly Square in Kyneton. The final stage of works was recently completed.
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The improvements include: • installation of an automated irrigation system • connection to recycled water • new fencing • upgrades to public toilet facilities • construction of a new sports pavilion • landscaping works • construction of a new roundabout at the corner of Barkly Square—Beauchamp and Wedge streets intersection.
:: Major projects • Subscribe to eNews
The project upgrades were completed by Council in partnership with the Kyneton District Soccer Club and the Victorian Government.
ts n e lm a t s in Rates
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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.
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Group Fitness Class
2-for-1
PASS
Limit one per person. Valid to end 31 August 2015
Battle of the bands Come along to the next youth Battle of the Bands gig at the Kyneton Town Hall on Saturday 1 August 2015 at 6pm and present this voucher at the door to receive a 2-for-1 pass. Not valid for pre-purchased tickets.
2-for-1
PASS
Drowning in Veronica Lake Purchase a ticket online to see Drowning in Veronica Lake at the Kyneton Town Hall on 6 August and enter Promo Code VLAKE241 to receive 2 tickets for the price of 1. mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts/buytickets
Offer valid for full price tickets only. Maximum of 2 tickets per purchase.
East Ward 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
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
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr John Connor Mobile: 0412 870 500 jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Jennifer Anderson (Mayor) Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Your Councillors
Present this voucher for a free group fitness class at either Gisborne Fitness Centre or Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre. For class timetables, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or call 5422 0333.
Voucher Voucher
Stay active this winter Page 9
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 13 :: July 2015
Home-cooked food by neighbours, for neighbours