The Woodend Men’s Shed may soon have a shed at the Woodend Racecourse Reserve.
The draft Woodend Racecourse Reserve Plan will soon go out for community consultation after Macedon Ranges Council approved it during its July 23 meeting.
The draft masterplan details the future uses for the site, including the use of open space, active recreation, as well as the potential inclusion of a shed for the Woodend Men’s Shed, which came from an alternative motion moved on the night.
Cr Kate Kendall moved the amended motion to include in the public consultation period the feasibility of finding a suitable area for the Woodend Men’s Shed on the reserve, acknowledging the shed’s previous expressed interest.
“This will be a great opportunity for the shed as well as different user groups and residents to give their feedback on the possible inclusion,” she said.
Cr Alison Joesph, while ultimately in support of the recommendation, did have some concerns with developing the open space.
“The Woodend Racecourse Reserve is actually zoned as a public conservation resource zone, it’s not actually a public park,” she said.
“It is regarded as the most significant grassland reserve and remnant indigenous grass in the area. I’m a little bit disappointed that other options weren’t considered.”
Cr Daniel Young said shed issues extend across the shire.
“Just in the last six months of being a councillor, we have heard from various men’s sheds including Woodend, Romsey and Riddells Creek about some of the issues that they’re having with council … and from what I understand there’s some incredible frustration being felt on their part,” he said.
