A controversial ban on using motorised recreational vehicles on land within 500 metres of a house will remain in place, despite a push by some Macedon Ranges councillors to have the local law changed.
Councillor Roger Jukes raised a motion at last week’s Macedon Ranges council meeting, urging a review of the current law “with the aim of allowing permit applications to take place”.
Cr Jukes said the ban, introduced in 2013, “was a council decision, not a community decision”.
“It’s the community’s right to be able to have the opportunity to apply for a permit,” he said.
“I cannot find another council that has such a strong prohibition on this kind of activity – all have the right to apply.”
The law primarily relates to the use of trail and quad bikes. Mayor Jennifer Anderson spoke against the motion, saying she was on the last council when the law was introduced.
Cr Anderson said she witnessed how the noise levels of the motorised vehicles affected the mental health of the residents who complained about their use.
The mayor said at the time the council sought legal advice as to whether it needed to consult the community to enact the law.
“I think it was a really good process, it was a lengthy process,” she said.
The council’s assets and operations director Dale Thornton said the law was introduced following complaints by residents.
Cr Andrew Twaits spoke in favour of reviewing the law. “There was no opportunity for people who were going to be adversely affected to make submissions on it,” he said.
Cr Jukes, Cr Twaits, Cr Bill West and Cr Henry Bleeck voted to review the law, while Cr Anderson, Cr Helen Radnegde, Cr Janet Pearce and Cr Natasha Gayfer voted against the motion. The mayor’s vote determined the decision. Cr Mandi Mees was absent.
