Macedon Ranges Shire Council ShireLife July 2016

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 18 :: July 2016

Pages 2

What’s on in winter

Page 10

Telecommunications update

Page 13

Your rates at work

Budget 2016/17 in focus

Page 7–9

Get fit for life

Back page

Battle of the Bands 2-for-1 entry

What’s on

Friday 19 August, 7.30pm Kyneton Town Hall Cost: $42 adult, $38 concession and $15 school student Be swept away on a journey to the city of Verona as Melbourne City Ballet present their reimagining of William Shakespeare’s most popular work Romeo and Juliet. With beautiful costumes and an evocative score, prepare yourself for Melbourne City Ballet’s most romantic and powerful ballet yet.

Buddy’s Back Friday 26 August, 11.30am Kyneton Town Hall Cost: $24 adult, $19 concession and $14 child Take a trip back to the 50s as Scot Robin, star of the smash hit musical Buddy, performs the hits of late rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly.

With a career that spanned only two short years, the legend of Buddy Holly lives on in this dynamic cabaret show.

Trick or Treatment Showing until Sunday 16 October Kyneton Museum Open Friday to Sunday, 11am–4pm Can an electric hairbrush cure everything from baldness to headaches?

Trick or Treatment explores the myths and legends rampant within the medical profession in the Victorian era. Come and see objects on show from the Kyneton Museum and University of Melbourne Medical Museum collections.

Page 02

Business Event Planning Workshop

Romeo and Juliet

Business

There’s plenty to see and do in winter in the Macedon Ranges!

Monday 15 August, 5pm–7pm Council Chambers, Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Road From marketing and promotion to road closures and event planning, learn about services and assistance Council and other agencies offer in this free workshop.

Tourism Business Networking Night

Monday 5 September, 6pm–8pm Woodend Visitor Information Centre, High Street Woodend Come along to this free event and network with tourism industry partners, explore opportunities for growth and find out how Council can help you increase visitation to your tourism business.

Home Business Networking Morning Tea

Tuesday 6 September, 10am–12pm Moto Bean Coffee Roasters, 50 Clowes Street, Malmsbury Cost: $20 (MRHBN members free) Join members of the Macedon Ranges Home Business Network at Malmsbury’s award-winning Moto Bean Coffee Roasters and discover more about the Malmsbury business community.

:: What’s on • Family and children

Raising healthy happy children From our new state-of-the-art Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre, through to our occasional care and kindergarten programs, Council provides a range of services and programs throughout the shire to help your little ones play, explore and grow.

Woodend Occasional Care

Kinder enrolments–it’s not too late!

If you need to run errands, study or attend an appointment and need the kids looked after, have you considered booking your child into our occasional care program?

Occasional care is quality, short-term care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years (who do not attend school).

Occasional care is a supportive early learning experience in a fun, relaxed and safe environment, where children can socialise and interact with other children.

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9am-12pm, Buffalo Sports Stadium, Fridays, 9am-12pm at Woodend Children’s Hub. To book your child’s place, call 5421 9510 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/occasional-care

There is still time to enrol your child in one of our kindergartens for 2017.

There are places available for three year old and four year old kinder programs in Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Woodend.

Kindergarten is a fun, play-based environment the 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.

A kindergarten fee subsidy is available for Health Care Card holders and other eligible families.

To find out more about kindergarten programs, vacancies, fees and enrolments, call 5421 9510 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children

Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre open Children and families are settling into Council’s new $3.7 million integrated, environmentally sustainable integrated service, Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre.

Featuring an indoor living wall in the foyer and bamboo forest in the playground, complete with a home for their beloved chickens and guinea pig, children from the former Gisborne Kindergarten are

making good use of the indoor and outdoor play spaces.

The centre incorporates environmentally sustainable principles, with double-glazed windows, solar hot water, recycled water, and native and sustainable vegetation.

Kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health and Gisborne Toy Library also operate from the centre, providing a range of services under the one roof. A shared community space is

available for visiting services, including immunisation programs and other activities that support the health and wellbeing of children and families.

Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre is at 71 Roberson Street, Gisborne and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am–5pm.

For information call the centre on 5421 9510.

Page 03

Get fit for life

It’s never too late to try something new with Council providing a range of programs and activities at our fitness, aquatic and leisure centres designed specifically for the mature adult.

Whether you’re keen to improve your fitness, bone density, muscle mass, balance or flexibility–there are plenty of easy and fun options to get you moving.

To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or drop into your local centre.

Just ask Judy

Staying Strong program participant Judy Cope-Williams is 78 years of age and has been attending classes at the Romsey Recreation Centre for the last two years.

Prior to joining, Judy was receiving regular treatment for her arthritis, but has since found it’s no longer needed.

“Before I started here I had arthritis in my back and neck, and now it’s virtually all gone,” she said.

“The classes are friendly and social, and afterwards a number of us go and have a cup of coffee so we’re supporting local businesses as well. We work hard for the hour, but it’s great because I find I don’t exercise at home. The phone’s ringing or something’s happening–I like the social aspects of the class, and you’re looking after your body too, which is the most important thing.”

Staying Strong

These group circuit classes are for the mature adult who wants to build muscle and cardiovascular strength while enjoying time with like-minded individuals.

Patrick Corcoran, who features on our front cover is just one of the participants reaping the benefits of this popular fitness program.

Gisborne Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10.30am Romsey Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10.30am Tuesdays: 9.30am

Page 04

Strength for Health

Heart Moves

Increase your muscle strength and power and your ability to perform the tasks of daily living through this progressive strength training program designed specifically for mature adults.

Kyneton Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 9am Woodend Tuesdays: 1pm Fridays: 9.30am

This low-intensity exercise program is suitable for people with long-term health conditions and has been developed by the Heart Foundation.

It’s a great way for participants to get active at their own pace in a friendly environment.

Woodend Tuesdays: 10.30am Kyneton Tuesdays: 11am

:: Health and fitness

Aqua Aerobics

Aqua aerobics uses water resistance and water-based equipment to improve cardiovascular fitness while moving to music.

Gisborne Aquatic Centre Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9.15am Mondays and Wednesdays: 6.30pm Kyneton Toyota Aquatic & Leisure Centre Mondays and Wednesdays: 11am Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9.15am Tuesdays: 6.30pm Fridays: 6am and 11am

Warm water Exercise

This type of exercise relies on buoyancy, resistance and the warmth of the water to maximise the physical and mental benefits for participants.

Kyneton Mondays and Thursdays: 12pm

Calling new recruits!

Enrol now for a variety of new sports programs kicking off in Term 3.

From gentle exercises for older residents through to junior basketball programs– there’s plenty to inspire you to get active.

To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or drop in to your local centre today.

For the juniors

For the grown-ups

Soccer development program

Women’s netball

Develop essential skills for Australia’s fastest growing sport in a fun and nurturing environment. Suitable for girls and boys aged 5-10 years.

Kyneton Wednesdays: 4pm $95 per child ($10 discount applies for family sibling/s)

Table tennis

Have a go at table tennis! Build hand/eye coordination in a fun and social environment. Suitable for girls and boys aged 6–12 years.

Kyneton Tuesdays: 4pm $9 per child ($18 registration)

Indoor cricket

Love cricket but can’t wait for summer? Join our big indoor ‘backyard’! Suitable for girls and boys aged 6-12 years.

Kyneton Fridays: 4pm Cost: $9 per child ($18 registration)

Register your interest for women’s indoor netball, starting in July.

Woodend Mondays: 9.30am Tuesdays: 6.30pm

Table tennis

Have a go at table tennis in a fun and social environment. Suitable for ages 13 years and over.

Kyneton Tuesdays: 6pm $9 per person ($18 registration)

Indoor cricket

Cricket’s not just a summer game – why not join our fun and social indoor cricket season. Suitable for ages aged 13 and over.

Kyneton Fridays: 6pm $9 per person ($18 registration) Please note: a one-off registration fee applies to some sports programs.

Contact your local centre The Stadium 95 Melton Road, Gisborne Phone: 5428 1619 thestadium@mrsc.vic.gov.au Buffalo Sports Stadium 1–29 Forest Street, Woodend Phone: 5427 3411 buffalo@mrsc.vic.gov.au Gisborne Fitness Centre 8 Hamilton Street, Gisborne Phone: 5428 3318 gisgymcman@mrsc.vic.gov.au Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre 4 Victoria Street, Kyneton Phone: 5421 1477 ksacrec@mrsc.vic.gov.au Macedon Community Centre Waterfalls Road, Macedon Contact Buffalo Sports Stadium (see details above) Riddells Creek Leisure Centre Sutherlands Road, Riddells Creek Phone: 5428 7155 rclc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Romsey Recreation Centre 12 Park Lane, Romsey Phone: 5429 5637 rrc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Page 05

Gisborne goes green The thriving town of Gisborne has had a number of major works completed recently, each with a strong emphasis on sustainability and protecting our natural environment.

Ready for play

The recent completion of the $880,000 Dixon Field pavilion project and handover to user groups has reinforced Council’s vision for a well-supported and connected community.

The project involved the construction of new change rooms, unisex umpire rooms, meeting room spaces, a first-aid/ multi-purpose room and storage facilities.

The environmentally sustainable project was jointly funded by $440,000 each from Council and the Victorian Government and includes features such as the harvesting of rainwater to supply toilet cisterns.

Hanging Rock works update

Page 06

Sustainable features

Council’s first purpose-built, integrated centre for the education and care of children in the Macedon Ranges, Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre in Robertson Street, incorporates environmentally sustainable principles such as an indoor living wall, double glazed windows, solar hot water, and water harvesting.

Solar-powered

Council will reduce its carbon emissions and save on electricity costs following the installation of 116 new solar panels on the roof of the Gisborne Administration Centre.

The new 30kilowatt solar PV system was installed in February as part of the building extension works and is estimated to generate a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings of around 56 tonnes per year.

Council have included a number of other environmental and sustainable design elements into the Gisborne office extension, including double glazed windows and the use of harvested storm water in toilets.

Improvements to Hanging Rock are well underway through projects funded by the Australian and Victorian governments in partnership with Council.

Main Reserve

The refurbishment of the Hanging Rock amenities block located adjacent to the Main Reserve’s car park, is in progress.

These works include upgrading the existing facilities to include an accessible toilet and water harvesting infrastructure to enable rainwater use in the toilets.

Works are anticipated to be complete mid-July.

This is the second amenities block to be refurbished at Hanging Rock, and will improve the visitor experience at this popular destination for locals and tourists.

This work has been funded by the Victorian Government.

East Picnic Ground

Construction of two new picnic shelters at Hanging Rock is also underway.

The shelters are part of a long term vision to encourage and support picnicking and events in the East Paddock in addition to those close to Hanging Rock.

The picnic shelters will incorporate barbecues, toilets and covered seating in two different locations.

The project is part of the $3.14 million Regional Development Australia – Hanging Rock Essential Infrastructure Development project. It is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

:: Going green • Council Budget 2016/17

Budget

Council adopts its budget for 2016/17 After considering community feedback on its draft Budget during May, Council adopted its Budget for 2016/17 on 22 June.

Council’s budget must balance environmental, infrastructure and social needs with our income from rates, fees and grants.

This year we are ‘spending to save’ by investing in initiatives which will result in major long-term savings. For example, replacing street light globes throughout the shire with low energy globes at a cost of $1 million will lead to ongoing electricity cost savings.

We are committed to providing a high level of quality works and services to our growing and diverse community while carefully allocating our limited financial resources. 2016/17 is the first year of the Victorian Government’s rate cap restrictions and in future, as Council’s rate revenue is further impacted, we will need to carefully consider the level of works and services that we are able to deliver.

How are my rates calculated?

Your rates contribute to the various services provided by Council. How much you pay depends upon the value of your property. To calculate your rates, Council firstly determines its budget for the year. The total revenue that we need to collect from rates, municipal charges and waste service charges to balance the 2016/17 Budget is almost $44 million. This amount is 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 the amount of your rates.

Property values are reviewed every two years.

Every property in the shire has been valued based on the amount it would have sold for in the open market in January 2016 and your property value is shown on your rate notice.

How much will my rates increase?

The average property value in the shire is almost $527,000 and the rates on the average property value will increase by 2.5% from $2,019 to $2,069–a difference of $50. This will be the typical rates bill for a ratepayer living in a house which receives a garbage, recycling and garden waste collections. While the average rate increase is 2.5%, the amount of the increase will vary depending on the value of your property.

Page 07

What’s planned in my Ward?

Budget

Council’s capital works on community facilities and infrastructure including roads, drains and footpaths will be funded in 2016/17 by rates, grants, contributions and our financial reserves. In 2016/17 we will spend over $23 million on capital works.

East Ward

South Ward

West Ward

Main townships: Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield, Newham, Hesket, Darraweit Guim, Clarkefield • Improvements to Riddells Creek Leisure Centre and Romsey central business district • Construction of footpath at Main Road in Riddells Creek • Construction of Romsey Community Health Centre (in partnership with Cobaw Community Health) • Construction of footpaths at Wrixon Street and Pohlman Street in Romsey • Pool liner for Lancefield outdoor pool

Main townships: Mount Macedon, Macedon, New Gisborne, Gisborne, Bullengarook • Construction of courtyard at Gisborne Library and upgrades to the roof • Refurbishment of Gisborne Community Centre • Drainage improvements on the oval at Macedon Tony Clarke Reserve • Upgrades to the building at South Gisborne IR Robertson • Footpath construction works at Fersfield Road, Gisborne, Station Road, New Gisborne and Nursery Road, Macedon

Main townships: Kyneton, Malmsbury, Lauriston, Carlsruhe, Tylden, Woodend • Landscaping works at Kyneton Community Park • Installation of heating and air conditioning at Kyneton Town Hall • Extension of the Campaspe River Trail in Kyneton • Footpath construction works at Ebden Street in Kyneton and in Brooke Street, Woodend • Oval lighting and pavilion upgrade at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend

To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/plan-and-budget to view a copy

Page 08

:: Council Budget 2016/17

How is the budget spent?

Council’s services are funded by rates, grants and fees. In 2016/17 we will spend over $54 million on delivering our services to the community.

This table shows how each $100 is spent.

$11

Planning and building services

$13

Recreation and sports facilities

$9

Parks, environment and open spaces

$22

Roads, drains, buildings and paths

$8

Libraries, arts, culture and youth services

$9

Kindergartens and maternal and child health

$12

Garbage, recycling and garden waste collection

$6

Emergencies, local laws and public health

Economic development and tourism

Aged and disability support services

$3 $7

of the 2016/17 Budget Report and Council Plan 2013–2017 (Year four).

Page 09

Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards 2016

Nominees

Council would like to congratulate all Bendigo Bank Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards nominees. We wish finalists the best of luck ahead of the Awards Gala Dinner at Kyneton Town Hall on Wednesday 14 September.

For the first time residents were able to nominate their favourite businesses online – and as a result, we’ve broken all records, having received more than 450 individual nominations!

Council has recently taken over management of the event from Elliott Midland Newspapers, who are continuing as media partners.

Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards to find out who will be the Business of the Year!

For more information on Council’s business events, see page 2.

Telecommunications update

We understand the challenges our community are facing in regard to telecommunications. Although Council has no direct role in being able to install appropriate infrastructure, we want you to be aware of the advocacy work we are doing on your behalf.

Page 10

Council has undertaken a great deal to investigate and provide detailed data regarding this matter over the last few years. Here’s a snapshot: • Telstra was successful in receiving funding for a new tower in Pipers Creek from Round 1 of the Federal Mobile Black Spot Programme in 2015.

• NBN Co. has made a commitment that everyone in the country will have access to some form of technology either fibre to the node, fixed wireless or satellite.

Its new satellite was launched on May 1 and should be available to you now. Check your address at nbnco.com.au to find out when the NBN network will be available at your home or business.

:: Business • Community

• In 2015 NBN Co. announced 16 locations in the Macedon Ranges for fixed wireless towers.

Each fixed wireless tower is subject to Council’s statutory planning process and is currently being scoped.

• Council has committed $50,000 to Round 2 of the Federal Mobile Blackspot Programme. It is unknown when the results of this will be announced.

To find out more about Council’s work on telecommunications, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/black-spots

Changes to temporary community event signage If you’ve been driving around the shire recently and noticed two steel posts sticking out of the ground side by side, you might be wondering what that’s about.

VicRoads has reviewed the way temporary community event signage is managed on arterial road reserves throughout the Macedon Ranges and has made some changes to the process.

Sites for temporary community event signage previously approved

by Council have changed and so has the application process.

There are now 37 new VicRoadsapproved sites for temporary community event signage within 10 Macedon Ranges Shire towns.

Each site has two steel posts erected to fix temporary community event signs, which must be produced by a professional signwriter and approved by VicRoads.

VicRoads says it has developed these new rules to ensure the safety of all road users, to minimise any line of sight issues and to reduce sign clutter.

Community groups should direct any inquiries to Kelly Sanders at VicRoads on 5434 5088.

For more information see mrsc.vic.gov.au/signs Penalties may apply under the Road Management Act 2004 if anyone erects a sign on an arterial road without written consent from VicRoads.

Open your horizons with Goldfields Libraries’ eLibrary Goldfields Libraries’ eLibrary offers free access to a huge range of online learning and enjoyment opportunities for all interests and ages.

You can learn business, photography, design and marketing through Lynda.com; stream music and movies from Alexander Street; browse hundreds of magazines through Zinio; build your family tree with Find My Past and Ancestry; read or listen to your favourite book on BorrowBox; learn a language with Languagenut; or browse Choice magazine.

Kids can read along with StoryBox Library and practise their maths with 10 Monkeys, and young adults can get involved in the Goldfields Connect music program.

Find more ways to open your horizons at ncgrl.vic.gov.au/elibrary

Get onto the stage with

Battle of the Bands Tune your guitar, turn up the amp and prepare your vocal chords–registrations are now open for Macedon Ranges’ annual Battle of the Bands competition on Saturday 27 August from 6pm at Kyneton Town Hall.

Whether you’re part of a band, duo or solo act, the competition gives emerging musicians a chance to have their music heard by a large audience.

The winner will receive a cash prize and go through to the regional finals to be held later this year.

Registrations close Monday 1 August.

To register email mits@mrsc.vic.gov.au, call 5422 0242 or visit facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth

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Your Councillors

Cr Sally Piper South Ward The south of the shire has seen significant growth during my time as a Councillor. It has been a challenging time for Council as well as community members impacted by decisions made.

There have been a number of projects undertaken in the south of the shire including the construction of Macedon Ranges Netball Complex, Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre and Dixon Field pavilion, the preservation of UL Daly Reserve, building of a shared community stadium at Gisborne Secondary College, retention of local parks in Wyralla Crescent and a new sports ground precinct purchased in New Gisborne.

Our neighbourhoods and towns are changing and my priority has been to ensure that the health and wellbeing of residents has been at the forefront of my decision making.

I hope you have been enjoying our beautiful parks, gardens and streetscapes and that you are happy with the way Council is managing our public spaces. Perhaps you are utilising the free recycling opportunities at Council’s transfer stations?

Council has had a strong focus on mental health, disabilities, aged care, health and fitness and connectivity.

I hope improvements made in these areas have enhanced your life or the lives of your family or friends.

It has been a pleasure and honour to represent Macedon Ranges Shire Council over the last four years and I thank you for your support. Macedon Ranges is a great place to live and our challenge is to leave it in better shape than we found it for the benefit of future generations.

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Cr Henry McLaughlin East Ward Winter has well and truly arrived, and it’s the time of year when it’s even more important to be mindful of driving to road conditions.

Our region, while beautiful, has many unsealed roads, and simple things like remembering to turn on headlights when driving in wet and foggy conditions, along with reducing speed and obeying temporary speed restrictions, can help your journey be a safe one.

Council’s been busy undertaking road and drainage works during summer and autumn to ensure your time on the roads is safe, including our annual line marking program which is now complete.

This $140,000 program works to ensure centrelines and road markings are clear–something that’s essential at this time of year.

On upgrades, the Romsey Recreation Centre has had a facelift, with recent repairs to the stadium roof.

Repairs were made to the internal ceiling and external roof. If you haven’t popped your head into the centre in a while, now’s the perfect time.

There are plenty of programs on offer; from workouts for mature adults to basketball competitions and indoor soccer programs for kids.

Senior citizens will be happy to hear it won’t be long before our senior citizens centre in Riddells Creek is back open for business.

On behalf of Council, I’d like to all those affected by the temporary closure of the club for their patience while works are undertaken. It won’t be long now and it’ll be back in your hands, which we’re very excited about.

:: Your Councillors • Your rates at work

Cr Roger Jukes West Ward Council has seen a number of major projects realised over the last six months or so, which I’m sure the community will make good use of over the coming years.

The reconstruction of Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend is going from strength to strength.

Works earlier this year at the site saw a complete reconstruction of the oval, with the cricket pitch, goal posts and coaches’ boxes all overhauled.

The Victorian Government’s recent announcement of a $100,000 contribution to lights at the oval and netball court builds on work already undertaken there.

It’s great to see Gilbert Gordon Oval being slowly transformed into a major sporting facility of which we can all be proud.

Also on sport, it’s good to see user groups out and about in the evening utilising the new lights that have recently been installed at Kyneton Showground’s top oval and netball courts.

The project was a joint effort by the Victorian Government, Council and Kyneton Football Netball Club, and I’m looking forward to getting to a few games.

Finally, if you’re not going away over the cooler months and looking to enjoy a stay-cation (time spent in your own neck of the woods), there’s plenty to do in the Macedon Ranges.

From bushwalks (pack a raincoat and wet weather gear!), through to fine dining and winery experiences, there’s no shortage of options for holidaying at home.

Your rates at work

Beware of wet, slippery roads Council’s new visual display mobile messaging boards will help spread the word about changed weather conditions this winter.

The new solar-powered boards, jointly funded

by Council ($25,000) and the Transport Accident Commission ($25,000), will be invaluable during the winter months, when weather conditions can alter our road surfaces significantly.

Council is reminding drivers to be aware of changing road conditions and take particular care when using unsealed roads.

To improve your safety on our roads in wet, foggy or icy conditions: • Turn on your headlights: this will improve your visibility • Reduce your speed: this will allow for increased reaction time • Leave a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you: allow between three to four seconds • Be aware that slippery roads can reduce your tyres’ grip, so stopping may taken longer • Be aware of potential traffic hazards and obey temporary speed restrictions.

Upgrading our roads and drains

Improving pedestrian safety

The following road and drainage works are underway or due to start soon: • Road reconstruction along Burke and Wills Track, near the intersection of Mission Hill Road, Baynton • Road widening works along Sandy Creek Road, Riddells Creek • Asphalt resurfacing works at the intersection of Kilmore Road and Jacksons Creek Way, Gisborne

Ongoing improvements to our footpath network are due to start in the coming months, including: • Construction of a new section of footpath on Fersfield Road in Gisborne, between Aitken Street and Manassa Drive • Construction of a new section of footpath on Brooke Street, Woodend between Wood and Bowen Street.

This link will provide pedestrian connectivity for residents along Mount Macedon Road to the main township of Woodend.

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Major projects

Lighting up the night

Council will begin its street lighting bulk replacement project this month, aiming to replace all existing highwattage street lights with more efficient LED lights.

The project will significantly save energy and money.

LED lamps generate 70% less heat, deliver a brighter and more consistent quality of light, don’t contain mercury, need to be replaced less and offer significant savings in energy consumption and cost.

Kyneton Showgrounds

New lights have been installed at the Kyneton Showgrounds at the top oval and netball courts. As well as the installation of sports field floodlighting, a large component of the project included an electrical upgrade to the entire showgrounds precinct.

The project was funded in partnership by the Victorian Government, Council and the Kyneton Football Netball Club.

Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten

Following consultation with kindergarten staff and families, upgrades to the Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten playground is expected to begin in Term 3.

The project aims to facilitate and increase the use of the outdoor areas, promote natural and creative play and improve and assist with the development of motor skills, learning and education.

The project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and Training and Council ($130,000).

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Gisborne Retail Precinct Rejuvenation

Kyneton Community Park

Work is due to begin on the longawaited Kyneton Community Park–a community-initiated project to create an open space for everybody to gather, celebrate, play and explore.

The park has been eight years in the making, with local community volunteers putting in countless hours and leading extensive planning and consultation program to produce a concept design and seek funding for the project.

Kyneton Community Park will be located in the Kyneton Botanic Gardens and will sit beside the formal gardens. The community handed over the project to Council in early 2015 to continue the process.

Heritage Victoria has been closely involved in planning for the park and has approved works in the botanic gardens based on the design and specifications for plantings and materials to be included in the park.

Tree works in early July marked the start of the construction phase of the project.

Landscaping works will follow in the future and nearby residents will start to see park features emerge from the winter mud.

The park has been funded by the Australian Government ($500,000), the Victorian Government ($300,000), Council ($100,000) and community fundraising ($40,000).

It’s anticipated the park will be ready for all to enjoy this summer.

Vital infrastructure upgrades, including new street furniture, landscaping works, accessible footpaths and drainage works are set to get underway in Gisborne as part of the Gisborne Retail Precinct Rejuvenation project.

The objective of the project is to improve economic activity and business opportunities, support existing commercial activities, enhance accessibility and increase foot traffic. To achieve this, the project will focus on improving the precinct’s infrastructure attractiveness and accessible footpaths.

The project aims to transform the area’s liveability by using previous successful infrastructure improvements that enhances the character of the retail precinct.

The project is funded by the Victorian Government ($200,000) and Council ($167,600).

Riddells Creek Community Centre

Works to create a community facility suitable for all in the township of Riddells Creek are well underway.

Improvements to the Riddells Creek Senior Citizens Club have included upgrade works to the building, internal works on flooring, walls, doors and windows, along with external and landscape enhancements.

The project is expected to be complete by August 2016.

Council would like to thank the community for their patience while works at the Riddells Creek Senior Citizens Club are undertaken.

:: Major projects • Contacts

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Final rates instalment reminder

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.

Page 15

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.

Limit one per person.

Valid to end August 2016.

2-for-1

Battle of

entry

the Bands

Come along to the Battle of the Bands at Kyneton Town Hall on Saturday 27 August at 6pm and present this voucher at the door to receive a 2-for-1 entry.

Not valid for pre-purchased tickets.

Romeo

and Juliet Purchase a ticket online to see Romeo and Juliet at Kyneton Town Hall on Friday 19 August and enter Promo Code ROMEO25% to receive 25% off tickets. mrsc.vic.gov.au/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 (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

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 17 :: May 2016

Your Councillors

Voucher Voucher Voucher

Group Fitness Class

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

Budget 2016/17 in focus Page 7–9

Get fit for life