Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 19 :: September 2016
Adopt a cat or dog Page 2
Transplant: an interactive experience
Page 8
Environment Strategy adopted
Page 10
Stand for Council at next month’s elections Page 4
New horse trail riding brochure
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Changes for green waste
What’s on Night and Day: The Doris and Shirley Show! Friday 23 September, 11.30am Kyneton Town Hall Cost: $24 adult, $19 concession, $16 groups 8+, $14 child These two iconic women are as different as night and day, yet Gina Hogan moves effortlessly from Doris, the quintessential all-American girl next door to the dramatic and powerful Shirley, capturing the essence of both women. There’s something for everyone—fabulous music, beautiful costumes, and that voice!
Boredom Protection Policy Friday 7 October, 7.30pm Kyneton Town Hall Cost: $42 adult, $38 concession, $38 groups 8+, $25 youth Boredom Protection Policy revisits one of Rod Quantock’s most successful comedy shows. In this incarnation, Rod reflects on the headlines of fourteen years ago and compares them to today. This is a solo show about contemporary politics and society presented by Australia’s longest serving comedian. Warning: Some adult themes
Transplant Saturday 15 October, 4 x 30 minute performances 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm and 1.30pm Kyneton Museum Cost: $20 (includes entry into the Kyneton Museum’s Trick or Treatment exhibition) Transplant is a medical fairytale combining puppetry, performance and installation. It is a specially created installation; a mini-theatre where sensory effects, hands-on audience involvement and the proximity between the action and audience enable novel experiences to occur. Photo: Elise Dutra
The Gizmo Friday 28 October, 1.30pm and 6.30pm Kyneton Town Hall Cost: $24 adult, $19 concession, $65 family (4), $16 groups 8+, $14 child At the local fair, Stephen is baited by his hero Floggitt into stealing. He pinches the whirling, twirling illuminating Gizmo that sends Stephen on an amazing adventure of self-discovery. This fun theatrical adventure is adapted and based on the well-known novel by Paul Jennings. The show is suitable for family and school audiences and is aimed at children 6 and over.
TICKET
VOUCHERS Page 02
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To buy tickets or for more information, phone 1300 888 802 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/buytickets Gift vouchers now available. Valid for all shows during each event season.
:: What’s on • Grants • Preventing violence
Grants for local communities Council’s grants and funding programs offer opportunities for residents and community groups to receive assistance developing skills, programs, performances, artworks, events, festivals and much more. In July, community groups and event organisers received over $210,000 for 56 projects and events by applying for either the Community Funding Scheme or the Events & Festivals Grant Program. By providing grants, Council is ensuring that our community continues to offer experiences for residents and visitors alike that are inclusive and help with community connection.
Annual grants calendar January: Landcare and Environmental Friends Group funding April: Community Funding Scheme Events & Festivals Grant Program August: Places for People Community Weed Partnership Program All year: Small Community Grants For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/grants
Events and festivals are thriving in the Macedon Ranges. As a result of a review undertaken on Council support of events and festivals, there is now a part time Events & Festival Officer and an Events & Festivals Grant Program. Early this year the new Events & Festivals Grant Program— which includes both funding and in-kind support—was launched. The first year of the program was a great success with 30 of the 40 applications receiving support. To view the successful grant allocations, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au We are now reviewing and making refinements for next year’s program, and in the coming months online information tools will be developed to assist and support event organisers.
Prevention Preventing violence against women in emergencies It’s been one year since Council launched Australia’s first municipal Prevention of Violence Against Women in Emergencies Action Plan, and already positive changes can be seen. The plan, which was developed by a range of local agencies in response to research showing that family violence increases after disasters, has attracted significant interest from other councils, the Victorian Government and international agencies. Also, presentations have been made on the development and implementation of the plan at several emergency management forums. The plan’s actions were designed to raise awareness about, and reduce the incidence of violence against women before, during and after emergencies. The Lancefield Cobaw fires in October 2015 provided an opportunity to implement new approaches including: • creating awareness at all post-fire community meetings about the increased potential for family violence and the need to look out for family and friends who might need help • a wallet card with information about local support for those experiencing, or at risk of, family violence which was included in information packs for affected residents and was readily available at recovery centres and other community gathering places • trained staff and volunteers working for support agencies were able to pick up on several instances of family violence and responded with referrals and information • surveying staff and volunteers from support agencies and organisations about their response and recovery experience from the perspective of gender. Key findings from a review of the plan include the need to select a realistic number of actions given the limited availability and capacity of partner agencies during the fire danger period; and a focus on building understanding of the link between gender equity and family violence. For more information or to view the 2016/17 action plan, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au Page 03
Your council, your vote Council elections are on 22 October. General elections are held every four years in Victoria, and in Macedon Ranges Shire, three councillors are elected for each of our three wards.
Stand for Council
If you're wanting to make a difference in our community and are interested in standing for Council, visit www.vec.vic.gov.au or www.mav.asn.au for information about becoming a candidate. To be eligible to stand for Council, you need to be: • 18 years and over • an Australian citizen • enrolled as a resident or ratepayer. Anyone standing for election must lodge a nomination form with the Returning Officer who will be at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute during the election period. Nominations open at 9am, Thursday 15 September and close at 12pm, Tuesday 20 September.
It’s your time to celebrate! Council will again support a range of free social events throughout October as part of the 2016 Victorian Seniors Festival. The feature event in 2016 will be the GreyLight Dance on Wednesday 12 October at Kyneton Town Hall, held in partnership with Kyneton Police. Come along and enjoy music from the 50s to the 70s, performed by Macedon Ranges’ very own Growing Up is Optional. For more details and other local events, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/events or www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or contact 5422 0258.
Voting
Our Council elections are held by postal voting and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will mail ballot packs to all enrolled voters in early October. Your vote must be in the post by the close of voting at 6pm, Friday 21 October. To find out more, visit www.vec.vic.gov.au or check your local newspapers for election notices. Councillors make decisions on a range of issues, including local roads and footpaths, parks and recreation facilities, planning and building regulations, libraries and community centres.
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A range of activities to celebrate the Victorian Seniors Festival during October will also be held at Council’s aquatic and leisure facilities, including fitness classes and social line dancing. To view the full list of activities available during October visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/seniors or contact Christina on 0400 230 729. See voucher on back page for a free fitness class.
:: Council elections • Seniors Festival • Health and fitness
Get your skates on
Music in the Sticks (MITS) and YMCA Action Sports will once again host the Victorian Skate Park Leagues’ North Western Series Skate, BMX and Scooter Competition in October. There will be workshops and coaching in the morning and the MITS crew will be providing food and entertainment throughout the day. Where: Gisborne Skate Park When: Saturday 8 October, 10am–5pm Registration: Gold coin donation. Registrations will open at 10:30am on the day. For more information, contact the MITS crew on 5422 0242 or email mits@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Basketball
New women’s competition starting in Gisborne If you have been waiting for daytime women’s basketball in the shire, look no further. Enrol now to take part in a new senior women’s competition on Thursdays at The Stadium in Gisborne. Players of all skill levels are invited to register as an individual or as part of a team. Season begins: Thursday 6 October, 9.15am $43.50 per team/week To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/thestadium, contact the centre on 5428 1619 or email thestadium@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Senior men’s and mixed competitions
Riddells Creek Leisure Centre runs senior men’s and senior mixed basketball competitions on weeknights. Senior men Tuesdays: from 7.40pm Senior mixed Thursdays: from 7.30pm $61 per team/week plus $18 registration fee per player/season
Junior competitions
Romsey Recreation Centre runs a junior Shooting Hoops development program for 5–10 year olds, and mixed under 11 and under 13 basketball competitions during school terms. Shooting Hoops Tuesdays: 4pm $97 per team/term Under 11s mixed Thursdays: 4pm Under 13s mixed Mondays: 4.50pm $115 per player/season plus annual $38 Basketball Victoria Country affiliation fee.
Indoor soccer Senior mixed
Enrolments are now being taken for Romsey Recreation Centre’s summer season of senior mixed indoor soccer. Players of all skill levels are invited to register as an individual or as part of a team. Suitable for players 15 years and over. Competition begins 4 October. Tuesdays: 6pm $43.50 per team/week plus $18 registration per player/season
Junior competitions
Romsey Recreation Centre also runs junior Goal Kick development sessions for 5–10 year olds, and under 12 and under 15 indoor soccer competitions. Goal Kick Fridays: 4pm $97 per team/term Under 12s Fridays: 4.50pm Under 15s Fridays: 6.30pm $115 per player/season To find out more or to enrol, contact the centre on 5429 5637 or rrc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
For more information on all sports and activities offered at our leisure centres, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure Page 05
Is your child ready for kinder? How do you know when your child is ready to start four year old kindergarten? What does readiness mean? Your child’s readiness for kindergarten is important to consider and can be a difficult decision to make for many parents. Questions that may assist you in making a decision can include: • Can they play and work beside other children? • Can they focus on a task individually or in a group setting? • Can they play independently? • Do they separate from you easily? • Can they follow simple instructions?
Connecting young parents The Young Parent Connection project is a new Council initiative that supports young parents aged 25 and under. The project aims to improve the social inclusion of young parents using a flexible and innovative approach. It will encourage them to meet with other young parents, link into community activities and to be part of a welcoming online community. We are one of eight local government areas that successfully secured funding under the Victorian Government’s Maternal and Child Health Service Innovation Fund. The project will be funded until April 2017. Young parents or service providers who are interested in being involved are encouraged to contact Molly on 5422 0252 or 0487 700 343, or to speak to their maternal child health nurse to find out more about the project.
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Council’s qualified educators are able to support you in making the right choice for your child. They have been trained to recognise the key areas of social and emotional maturity in each child that will better prepare them for the kindergarten year ahead. Our educators will recognise the strength and capabilities of your child, and will actively share this information with you. Each child should be considered individually and not compared to other children. They should have the opportunity to become confident and involved learners. For more information, contact our Early Years Services team on 5421 9510.
What year is my child eligible to attend kindergarten? If your child was born between 1 May 2012–30 April 2013 1 May 2013–30 April 2014 1 May 2014–30 April 2015
:: Early years
Year eligible 2017 2018 2019
Kindergartens assessment and rating Lady Brooks and Romsey kindergartens have recently achieved positive ratings in the Assessment and Ratings process held by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). ACECQA is a national body that guides and oversees the National Quality Framework which aims to raise the quality of education and care across Australian long day care, family day care, preschools, kindergartens and outside schools hours services. To find out more or to view the ratings of education and care services within the shire, go to mychild.gov.au
Mud kitchens, sandpits and more Playtime has been injected with a fresh dose of fun at kindergartens in Romsey, Macedon and Gisborne with upgrades to outdoor play equipment either completed or in the pipeline. Children at Romsey Kindergarten can cook up a storm in a brand new mud kitchen, swing from a fresh set of play equipment or dig deep in an upgraded sandpit. Similar upgrades are planned for Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre, with the final design stage works due to be completed by September. Both projects were funded by the Victorian Government. The rural setting at Macedon Kindergarten has been enhanced with a dry creek bed, a bike track, seating and landscaping. Funds were raised by families of the Macedon Kindergarten committee as part of their four year plan to renovate the kindergarten’s outdoor space. These upgrades have been designed to promote exploration, link existing play spaces, and provides opportunities for children to play and connect to the environment.
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New environment events program Are you interested in learning more about biodiversity and sustainable living events in the shire? Council has released a new environment events brochure that includes biodiversity workshops, fauna talks, spotlights nights, child-friendly activities, sustainable gardening workshops and much more. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events to find out what’s on or pick up a brochure from a Council service centre (see page 15 for locations).
Environment Strategy
The new Macedon Ranges Environment Strategy was adopted at the June Council meeting. It will provide policy direction and high level actions for the key environmental themes of: • climate change • biodiversity • catchment management • resource efficiency. Importantly, the strategy also commits to a 25 per cent reduction of greenhouse emissions from Council operations by 2020 from 2015 levels. Council will begin work to meet this commitment in the 2016/17 financial year, most notably by changing over 2,000 streetlights to energy efficient LEDs, which will reduce emissions by over 800 tonnes (over 11 per cent of Council’s total emissions). Over the next 12 months, Council will also prepare a climate change action plan and a roadside management plan which are both high priority actions in the strategy. Council thanks the community for its contribution and looks forward to implementing the strategy and improving environmental outcomes for the shire. View the strategy at mrsc.vic.gov.au/strategies-plans
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:: Environment
Tim Flannery at Lancefield Megafauna Festival High profile climate and environment expert, Tim Flannery is a special guest speaker at this year’s Lancefield Megafauna Festival. Tim will be discussing how the landscape of megafauna in central Victoria has changed and what it may look like in the future under climate change. The Lancefield Megafauna Festival will be held on 25–26 November 2016. For more information or to book, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events
Nature Kids workshops Join Caitlin Griffith, local nature enthusiast, to learn about the importance of leaf litter and creatures living on the forest floor. These one hour workshops are aimed at children aged 6–10 years, and will include a book reading and leaf litter art. Participants will also receive a ‘Wild Families’ activity sheet and wildlife pictures to take home to colour in. All workshops will be hosted by Goldfields Library Corporation. For more information or to book, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events
Woodend
Cnr High and Forest streets 11am, 20 September
Kyneton
3 Baynton Street 2pm, 20 September
Consider wildlife friendly fencing The Macedon Ranges is an important region for native wildlife species such as the koala, sugar glider and brushtailed phascogale. Traditional stock fencing poses a serious risk for native animals which can become entangled or injured in barbed wire, often leading to death. Here are some tips for wildlife friendly fencing: • Remove the barbed wire strands. • Provide a gap of 50cm to allow for wildlife to pass under. • Install more visible material on the top strand such as white cord or reflective tape. This is especially important if you cannot remove barbed wire. • If you don’t have stock, internal fencing can often be removed entirely, while perimeter fencing can use plain wire or timber.
Romsey
98 Main Street 11am, 21 September
Gisborne
Hamilton Street 2pm, 21 September
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Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards 2016
Finalists announced
Council and the sponsors of the 2016 Bendigo Bank Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards would like to congratulate the 35 finalists who were selected by an independent panel of business professionals from outside the shire and chosen from 112 submissions received across 11 categories. The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner at Kyneton Town Hall on Wednesday 14 September. To view the full list of finalists and find out more about the 2016 Bendigo Bank Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards, or contact Marg Barry, Business Awards Coordinator on 0418 316 322, 5422 0333 or via businessawards@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Saddle up for our new Horse Trail Riding Guide
If you are looking for places to enjoy horse trail riding around the shire, then make sure you get a copy of Council’s new Horse Trail Riding Guide. The guide, which builds on a similar cycling ride guide for the region, includes information about local equine experiences, trails and horse stay accommodation. It also includes one map, with a further six being released in the coming months. The development of the guide was a key action in the Macedon Ranges Equine Strategy, which highlighted opportunities for horse friendly tourism in the shire. So if you’re keen to get riding, download the guide from mrsc.vic.gov.au/horse-riding or pick up a copy from a visitor information centre in Kyneton and Woodend, or from a Council service centre (see page 15 for locations). If you would like a guide posted to you, contact us on 1800 244 711.
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:: Business • Tourism
New kit to assist businesses One stop shop Do you need business advice or know someone who is opening a new business in the shire? If so, our new Business Kit is now available and includes information, assistance, opportunities and advice on: • economic profiles • business resources • marketing and communication tools • Council processes and permits. You can download the kit from mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-kit or pick up a copy from a Council service centre (see page 15 for locations). If you would like a kit posted to you, contact us on 5421 9616 or ecodevadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Business events what’s on Introduction to Apprenticeships and Traineeships Monday 17 October 2016, 5.30pm–7.30pm Romsey Community Hub 96–100 Main Street, Romsey Businesses can hear from experts such as the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) to gain a better understanding of engaging apprentices or trainees. The session includes information about the process and support available.
Social Business Networking Night Monday 28 November 2016, 6.30pm–9.30pm Cope-Williams Winery 160 Glenfern Road, Romsey
Macedon Ranges springs to life After a wet winter, the colour of spring is beginning to bloom and Macedon Ranges is bursting with bulbs and delicate blossoms. • It’s time to go back to the outdoors and explore hidden gems like Black Hill Reserve and Macedon Regional Park. • Our Macedon Ranges Ride Guide offers many bicycle rides varying from family friendly rides, road rides and mountain bike riding for the more extreme. • The weekend of 22–24 October is jam-packed with plenty to do. Check out Kyneton Aero Club’s 50th Anniversary Airshow, the Kyneton Music Festival, the World Single Speed Mountain Bike Championships in Woodend, and Macedon Ranges Health’s colour run and walk in Gisborne. • Save the date for the annual Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Budburst Festival on 12–13 November where winemakers will partner with outstanding food producers and restaurateurs at their cellar doors. • On Thursday 1 September, the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival will begin. Be ready for 11 fun-packed days with many events on offer for the family to enjoy. Remember to show off our fabulous region to your friends and family, and book yourself into one of the many events on offer this spring. For more information, visit visitmacedonranges.com, like the Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool Facebook page or speak to one of our volunteers at the Woodend and Kyneton visitor information centres by calling 1800 244 711.
Cost: $40 (Macedon Ranges residents and businesses) or $60 for all others Come along to this fun and informal annual end of year networking event and enjoy local food and wine while generating fresh ideas for 2017!
For more information or to book, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or contact us on 5421 9616.
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Electronic gates and access
Verandahs and carports Do I need a building permit? If you want to build a verandah or carport you may need to apply for a building permit.
Can the CFA access your property if there is an emergency?
Yes Construction of a verandah or carport attached to Our CFA brigades are reporting an increase any building on your property. in the number of properties that can be inaccessible in emergencies due to: No Construction of a stand-alone verandah or carport that: • is not attached to another building • electronic gates that cannot be overridden • is less than 10m2 in floor area if there is an emergency, with access • is no more than 3 metres in height being more difficult where there • is no more than 2.4 metres in height within 1 metre of a boundary is rigid fencing either side of the gates • is located no further forward than the front wall of the dwelling • driveway access issues due to • is not over an easement. KYNETON COMMUNITY PARK gates being too narrow or to Yes Construction of a freestanding carportThis in front of a rock maze, sandpit design for Kyneton mounds, overhanging vegetation. the existing dwelling. Community Park is the result of and whispy grasses. This draws This is a particular concern for the CFA who themes of the site's a design review of the concept on the Yes Construction of a freestanding verandah or carport aboriginal past and local mineral produced in 2012. This design could be responding to an emergency at greater than 10m2 in floor area. Leading into andor outneeding of keeps all the exciting features springs. your property, to access your of the first concept, but has this space is the dry log-lined property as the quickest means of getting inspired by the A planning permit may also be required in somemodified cases. it to reflect practical creek tobed, aninincident on your flood and the neighbour’s property. considerations of the site and Campaspe For more information or to download a building permit the $300,000 in government timber felled during the region's Does this sound like your place? If so, Agricultural grants the project has received establishment. application form, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au talk to your local about how you this for Stage 1 and $500,000 for “furrows” lead out of brigade Furrow can 3 To Hill Slide eachwork one drawing on to a ensure together that they Stage 2 funding permitted. space,can 'Hay' (later stage) different agricultural theme to This revised concept has been respond in a safe and timely way if needed. 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.
Property preparation
The design concept for the Kyneton Community Park aims to It’s spring! The flowers are blooming, theessence birds are capture the of what makes Kyneton special singing and your grass is growing. creating a park that is uniquely You may not be thinking about summer yet orand thereflects the of Kyneton destructive potential of a bushfire area's impacting on your history, stories and current placewhat in Victoria. property, but it’s a great time to think about you can The design for the park draws upon do to start preparing your property for the warmer months. a number of themes including Head to mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-ready for useful tips on and Kyneton's aboriginal history, what you can do to reduce the agricultural risk to your home the andlocal mineral springs, the Campaspe property well before the bushfire season starts. River and its location in the historicto ensure Kyneton And remember, it is your responsibility your Botanic Gardens. property is fire ready.
Reminder Page 12
The park has been designed for the entire Kyneton Community from young families through to teenagers and elderly residents. Play features provide stimulation for adults and children of a range of ages - while picnic and informal sport facilities including Pétanque and Table-Tennis cater :: Building • Fire to both tourists and season the wider• community.
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provide unique play opportunities. Timberthe andelectronic rope Check with gate play equipment surrounds this may be a manufacturer as there space, with an all-abilities simple solution accessible path, lawns that andcan be applied in emergencies. picnic facilities.
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. The Kyneton Community Park has been designed as a space for the Kyneton Community and its visitors both old and young. Through the use of agricultural and historic themes, and the referencing of the Campaspe River and the site's long history, the design for the new Kyneton Community Park is uniquely of Kyneton, providing an individual and special space which can be both locally popular and a unique regional draw card. Design work on the Kyneton Community Park is currently underway Your ratestoatallow workconstruction of Stages 1 and 2 to commence in 2015.
Ro Co
Furrow 2 Tractors & Tyres
McKenna Drive Extension
Road infrastructure projects kick off the 2016-2017 financial year.
The community’s long held vision for the construction of a park that would welcome everybody is about to be realised.
ee House
ter stage)
Your rates at work
Kyneton Community Park construction begins
The following works are jointly funded by Council and the Australian Government’s Road to Recovery program and it is anticipated the works will be completed by November. • Road reconstruction along Sandy Creek Road, Riddells Creek will continue with an additional 764 metres of road to be constructed up to Gyro Close. This will involve widening the seal to 6.6 metres, improving road safety for road users. • Couangalt Road, Gisborne South will undergo road reconstruction works starting from the intersection of Benson and McGeorge roads, extending east to Heard Crescent. The works will remediate the existing sections of failed pavement. • Fisher Street, Gisborne will have kerb and channel and minor asphalt works to the north side between Goode and Prince streets. Works will aim to improve site drainage for local residents, and provide increased car parking around the school. Extension
Tireless volunteers have put in many hours of work during the past eight years which is now culminating in the construction of the community space that will celebrate Kyneton’s history and showcase the best of nature based play. Set in the beautiful Kyneton Botanical Gardens precinct behind the formal gardens, the park site will be transformed over the coming months as features begin to appear. Extensive planting, a network of paths, play elements, and other interactive and artistic features will be built around the existing established trees. The Kyneton Community Park project is jointly funded by the community ($40,000), Council ($100,000), the Victorian Government through Regional Development Victoria ($300,000) and the Australian Government through the Play Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Furrow 4 Caravans logs ($500,000). Path For more information about the design and progress of Cubby works, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Kyneton-Community-Park Picnic Tree or contact us on 5422 0333. Lawns Dry Creek Log Jams
ETON COMM N Y K
to Ebden The following road and drainage Street works will begin shortly: Entrance • Road re-sheeting and maintenance program at Mount William Road in Lancefield. Minorof kerb and channel renewal • The next stage Entrance works in Sturt Street, Kyneton. This work Arbour will improve drainage and renew the existing bluestone gutter in Kyneton.
Path Swing
Picnic Lawns
opes ourse
Timber Pole Fort
Basket Swing
Rock maze and sand Lawn
Picnic LawnsFootpath
Water Play
Rock maze and sand
Toddlers Play Ropes Course
Path
Dry Creek Log Jams
construction projects currently underway and anticipated to be completed shortly include: Path • concrete footpath works on High Street, Woodend near the school and church to improve pedestrian access in this busy precinct • various concrete footpath repair works CARAVANS AND around Gisborne at Kilmore Road, Aitken Furrow 5 Street, Brantome Street and near the Sunflowers & Gisborne crops Aquatic Centre, increasing pedestrian access.
DRY C
New Toilets (later stage)
Furrow 1 Animals & sand play
Play Caravans Shelter and BBQ
Dry Creek Log
Shelter and BBQ
PageJam 13 with Sand Table Tennis
Major
Adopt a furry friend
Green waste vouchers
Are you looking for a new cat or dog?
Woodend Veterinary Centre manages Council’s cat shelter. During spring, the centre can often be overwhelmed by unwanted litters of kittens needing homes. All cats and kittens for adoption at the shelter are vet-checked, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed, and can be adopted for a small fee. To view any cats or kittens that are ready for adoption, visit www.woodendveterinarycentre.com.au The Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne provides Council’s dog shelter service and has many adorable dogs available for adoption. The adoption fee covers the cost of desexing, vaccinating, microchipping, flea treatment and worming. For more information about adopting a dog, visit www.dogshome.com
Council has introduced a voucher system for the disposal of green waste at its three transfer stations in Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey. Each property has been sent two vouchers, each for the disposal of one trailer load of green waste annually at any transfer station in the shire. The voucher system replaces the former ‘Free Green Drop’ service, and will ensure that green waste disposal is more financially sustainable. The green waste bin collection service will continue in township areas. The vouchers were posted to all properties in August and are valid from 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017. They can be used to dispose of green waste loads up to 0.5m³ (this is equivalent to a standard 6x4 trailer without a cage). Charges will apply for larger loads, commercial customers and people who live outside of the shire. Green waste must be free of weeds, wire and other rubbish. For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/waste
Adopting a pet not only gives the animal a second chance in life, but also has health and wellbeing benefits for the owner.
The first year’s registration fee
GREEN WASTE VOUCHER Valid from 1 September 2016 – 31 August 2017
#2016/17–185024
for any dog or cat adopted from a registered animal shelter is $10. To register your new pet, bring the adoption papers to a Council service centre (see page 15 for locations).
Advisory committee update
Hanging Rock’s advisory committee will have a new name, makeup and structure under the recommendations of an independent review. The new Hanging Rock Strategic Advisory Committee will be a skills-based committee made up of eight to 10 members, identified through an advertised expression of interest process. The new committee will help inform the development of the Hanging Rock Master Plan process, which is currently underway. The Hanging Rock advisory committee review and master plan project are being jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government. For more information, see: mrsc.vic.gov.au/HangingRock
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:: Adopt a pet • Green waste • Contacts
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Find us on social media Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres facebook.com/GisPoolGym
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre facebook.com/KynPoolGym
Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture
facebook.com/MacedonRangesArtsCulture
Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts
facebook.com/MacedonRangesEmergencyAlerts
Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network facebook.com/MacedonREIN
Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool
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ments st be paid in four instal Rates and charges mue date. Instalment reminder by no later than the duor to each instalment date. notices will be sent pri paid by the due date it If an instalment is not nalty interest. will be charged with pe 2016/17 are: Instalment dates for | 30 November 2016 30 September 2016 | 31 May 2017 28 February 2017 via BPAY View®, online You can pay your rates via Council’s website, with Visa or Mastercard ents or in person at a mrsc.vic.gov.au/paym Council service centre. t ns about rates paymenrates on If you have any questio g your yin pa y ult fic dif ve ha u 22. methods, or if yo department on 5422 03 time, contact the Rates
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, contact us on 5422 0302 or email comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Macedon Ranges Youth
facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
For details on all of Council's social media channels, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/contact-us
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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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Present this voucher for a free group fitness class during the Seniors Festival in October. For all events, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/seniors or call 5422 0333. Limit one per person. Valid until 30 October 2016.
Border
Protection Policy
Purchase a ticket online to see Border Protection Policy at Kyneton Town Hall on Friday 7 October and enter Promo Code QUANTOCK25% to receive 25% off tickets. mrsc.vic.gov.au/buytickets Offer valid for full price tickets only. Maximum 2 tickets per purchase.
Horse Trail NEW Riding Guide
Pick up a copy of our new Horse Trail Riding Guide from a visitor information centre in Woodend or Kyneton, a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend or call 1800 244 711 to have one posted out.
Cr Ian Ellis Mobile: 0400 025 455 iellis@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Graham Hackett (Mayor) 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 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 seniors fitness class
East Ward
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 19 :: September 2016
Adopt a cat or dog
Cr Jennifer Anderson Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr John Connor (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0412 870 500 jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Stand for Council at next month’s elections Page 4