Zoe Moffatt
About 200,000 squared metres worth of sealed roads and maintenance has been carried out in the Macedon Ranges, which is the equivalent of 10 MCG’s, according to council’s annual report 2022-23.
Council adopted its annual report on October 25, celebrating a range of achievements including awards, completed works and waste diverted.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Jennifer Anderson said council is doing amazing things for the environment, and in her 10 years on council it is probably the best annual report she has seen.
“We have planted one native plant for every 173 bins collected by council. I think that’s pretty amazing when you think about the number of bins that we collect as a shire,” she said.
“Or you could say it’s one native plant per 5.5 residents and that doesn’t include the wildflowers, shrubs, hedges etc.
“It looks like on average six library books [per person] are borrowed from our library every year. I think that’s fantastic to see that collaboration with the Goldfields Library.”
Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said the report tells the story of council’s work and outcomes to the community, and is more than just facts and figures.
“It also showcases progress made in addressing community concerns, promoting economic development, [and] enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” he said.
“The Macedon Ranges experienced an extreme weather event in October 2022 [which] resulted in flooding across the shire and the Darraweit Guim community… was particularly impacted.
“Council is using key learnings identified to help prepare for future weather events. The event demonstrated the strength and resilience of our community.”
Council received more than 10 awards across the environment, business and tourism and aquatics and fitness categories.
Other highlights include 770 kilometres of gravel roads resheeted or graded, more than 3000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill, saving an estimated $880,000, eight new or upgraded open spaces, and 4925 maternal and child health assessments.
