A new visitor centre, new cafe and improved parking will be considered as the future of Hanging Rock is mapped out.
The suggestions have been included in the draft Hanging Rock Master Plan Options Paper which has been released for public comment.
The paper, which drew on community consultation from late 2016, also outlines options for trail upgrades, environmental improvements, sport facility options and event opportunities at the rock.
Friends of Hanging Rock president Luke Spielvogel said the group would push for recognition of the cultural and colonial history at the iconic site.
“It’s a social landscape and it’s important people are there but not at the cost of cultural values,” Mr Spielvogel said.
He said Friends of Hanging Rock wanted the east paddock to be incorporated into Hanging Rock Reserve, as was intended at its acquisition, so it has the same level of protection as the rest of the site.
The use of Hanging Rock has divided the Macedon Ranges community for years. In February, the council was slammed by residents and conservation groups for allowing international singer Ed Sheeran to hold a private concert on Hanging Rock – not in the east paddock where concerts are usually held.
At the time, Federation of Environment and Horticulture Macedon Ranges spokesman Hilary Roberts said the concert set a “dangerous precedent”. “They’ve done this in the most conservationally sensitive area on Hanging Rock itself … there’s been no history of having events up on the rock.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said any future master plan for the rock would take into account the views of the traditional owners – the Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people.
The paper is available at www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or at Macedon Ranges council’s office at 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne.
Feedback will be accepted until September 15. The final Hanging Rock master plan is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
