Macedon Ranges Residents Association is calling for the Planning Minister to reject council’s plans for smaller lot sizes and more houses on rich agricultural land near Kyneton and Romsey.
Minister Richard Wynne has yet to give his approval to Macedon Ranges council about key planning changes to rural living zones in New Gisborne, Gisborne, Gisborne South and Riddells Creek.
At its July meeting, the council considered an independent planning panel report on the proposed C110 amendment to its ‘In The Rural Living Zone’ strategy, which seeks to manage rural living opportunities in the shire to 2045.
Councillors determined to split their amended strategic plan to allow subdivisions to go ahead in areas other than Kyneton South and Romsey North.
Residents association secretary Christine Pruneau wants the whole strategy abandoned.
“We want to see the minister look at the impact that this will have on this area,” she said. “Carving up rich agricultural land for development is not what you do if you’re protecting this area. This is what we need to be protected from.”
Ms Pruneau said a policy to protect the Macedon Ranges was introduced in 1975 and supported by legislation to recognise the value of the region at a state level. “There’s a public interest in the drinking water catchments, nature conservation, recreation and landscapes,” Ms Pruneau said. “All of those should be considered when making any decisions.”
Council director of planning and environment Sophie Segafredo said the council had adopted the panel’s recommendations, with further work to be undertaken in coming months, including consultation with relevant parties, before part two of the amendment is reconsidered by the council.
“The panel recommended further work be done by council in regard to the ‘change areas’ proposed for Kyneton and Romsey, and this will form part of the amendment,” she said.
The independent planning panel report is here
