Macedon Ranges guardians will have their concerns about the protection of one of the state’s most significant natural environments addressed when they meet Planning Minister Richard Wynn tonight.
The Macedon Ranges protection advisory committee was set up by the minister in 2015 to guide the government on appropriate policies to protect the Ranges.
After a series of public consultations the group raised several concerns with the minister including urban growth and how to enforce township boundaries, and preventing urban encroachment on farm land and bush.
Tonight’s forum will hear from the government on its response to these recommendations and concerns.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said there was a need for a community conversation about the special values of the Macedon Ranges and how to protect these from over-development.
“We made a commitment to protect the region and ensure that its future is as rich as its past,” Ms Thomas said. “This community conversation is an important next step in protecting the Macedon Ranges’ environmental values.”
Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group vice president Ralf Thesing welcomed the forum.
He said the group was involved in the initial community consultation and would attend tonight’s meeting. “We see energy consumption as a key part of protecting the Ranges,” Mr Thesing said.
“Protecting the environment is not only about cutting the weeds and stopping development,” he said. “It’s also about the effect that climate change is having.”
The forum is on from 6pm until 7pm at the Gisborne Golf Club, 25 Daly Street, Gisborne.
Details: planning.implementation@delwp.vic.gov.au
