By Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges council has urged visitors to stay away from tourist hotspots across the region after “hundreds” of people visited the shire’s autumn leaves displays.
Last week, police closed the road to the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross at the corner of Cameron Drive and Mount Macedon Road after visitors ignored government recommendations to stay home, and visited Macedon’s Avenue of Honour and nearby gardens and parks.
Large electronic signs have since been installed on the Calder Freeway and local roads, urging visitors to avoid the area.
Traffic management staff are in place near the Avenue of Honour and Centennial Park to ensure traffic flows efficiently through the area.
Free buses, which normally run during the autumn showing, will not be in service.
The closures and warnings come after the council closed popular tourist attraction Hanging Rock, including the site’s cafe, discovery centre and carpark, last month.
Victoria Police has informed the council that regular patrols will take place to ensure visitors and locals are not gathering in groups in public areas around Macedon and Mount Macedon.
Police will issue on-the-spot fines to individuals and businesses who do not follow containment measures.
The council’s chief executive Margot Stork said she was disappointed visitors flocked to the area despite warnings to stay away.
“We are all for people getting some fresh air and exercise,” she said.
“But there is no need for tourists to travel long distances to the area to do so.
“Normally we welcome visitors but with the current [COVID-19] pandemic, it is not appropriate.
“The health and wellbeing of the community is the main priority at this time. We want everyone to be safe.
“The Avenue of Honour is a VicRoads-managed road so the council cannot close it to vehicle and foot traffic, however we can and will be discouraging visitors during this time.
“People should rethink their plans and look to visit when the current pandemic is over.”
To stay up to date with service changes and closures, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
