Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges council will be implementing measures to help with traffic management on weekends and public holidays throughout April.
The council announced on Tuesday, March 21, the temporary measures will be in place from 9am to 5pm to support residents and individuals coming to the ranges to see the autumn leaves and the Autumn Festival.
From April 1 to April 30, Honour Avenue will be closed to traffic between Mount Macedon Road and Waterfalls Road, and there will be no standing allowed on one side of Devonshire Lane.
Mount Macedon Road will also have its speed reduced to 40km/h, and no U-turns will be allowed.
Council said it will provide vehicle passes to residents impacted by road closures and signing for fences to keep driveways clear.
With an influx of visitors expected for the Autumn Festival there will be visitor parking available near Honour Avenue and Centennial Park, with additional amenities and an information booth at Centennial Park.
Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said the festival has helped provide a boost for the local economy.
“The festival is now in its third year and has proven to be extremely successful in providing a boost to our local businesses and community,” he said.
“In 2022 alone, the festival contributed an estimated $1.6 million to our visitor economy.”
“I’d like to thank our community for supporting the event, and to reassure residents that we have taken feedback on board and implemented measures to better support this year’s festivities.”
Council said a hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus will also run throughout the festival from the visitor hub at Centennial Park to the open gardens, festival events, and Mount Macedon township for $5 per adult.
Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/autumn-leaves and visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival/
