By Oliver Lees
The Macedon Ranges Residents Association (MRRA) has slammed the council’s draft rural land use strategy document, describing it as a “blunt instrument” that will undermine the shire’s values of environmental protection.
Macedon Ranges council has invited feedback from the community on the draft document since July 19.
The document is intended to provide direction for the use and development of land within the shire, including for agricultural, economic and environmental protection purposes.
MRRA president Christine Pruneau said her primary concern was the rezoning of land around Hanging Rock and in the Cobaw Biolink from rural conservation zones to farming zones.
“What we’ve got here is a council that has previously brought in strong [environmental] protections, but are drifting away from that, and that drift is becoming more obvious,” Ms Pruneau said.
“The farming zone’s focus is agriculture and it allows a lot of agricultural-related uses without a permit. These changes will be disastrous for the Cobaw Biolink’s sensitivity and its unique values.”
In August 2018, Macedon Ranges council became the first local government area to be declared under the Distinctive Areas and Landscape Act, due to the region’s unique and culturally significant landscape.
The planning policy document for this act includes objectives to “establish and improve biolinks to connect high-value ecological areas” and establishes the requirement to develop long-term strategies in certain areas of the shire.
Ms Pruneau said by proposing the rezoning of Hanging Rock and the Cobaw Biolink, Macedon Ranges council “is not recognising it is now state law to protect these places”.
Macedon Ranges acting planning and environment director Rob Ball told Star Weekly this decision was informed to ensure that farming is the primary use taking place on land suitable for agriculture.
“This draft strategy reinforces that new development in rural areas of the shire must concurrently deliver high quality economic and environmental outcomes,” Mr Ball said.
“The area has suitable soil type, climate, infrastructure and present pattern of subdivision favouring sustainable agricultural production.
“The draft rural land use strategy recommends that the environmental significance overlay is introduced to the Cobaw Biolink area concurrent with the proposed rezoning.”
Written submission feedback on the draft document closes on September 17.
Council is encouraging residents to book a one-on-one discussion with the strategic planning team.
Contact: strategicplanning@mrsc.vic.gov.au
