A master plan for Woodend’s beloved Five Mile Creek is open for community feedback until September 11.
The creek links the town, protects threatened species and offers a magical place to walk and enjoy nature. Its floodplains are habitat for the endangered Eucalypt species known as Black Gum, which doesn’t grow anywhere else in Victoria.
Macedon Ranges council wants residents to have their say on the plan for the area via online or written submissions.
For over 20 years, Woodend Landcare has been clearing weeds, revegetating and enhancing community access and facilities along the creek. The Woodend Five Mile Creek Master Plan is a shared strategic action between Woodend Landcare and council, to continue the Woodend Landcare’s great work, with funding through council’s Community Funding Scheme.
Council planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said it was a great opportunity for the community to make their thoughts known on the proposed plan.
“The Five Mile Creek area is central to the Woodend community and provides the perfect surrounds for recreation and the enjoyment of nature,” Ms Stockfeld said.
“The final Woodend Five Mile Creek Master Plan will take into consideration community needs as well as ensuring the preservation of the natural environment going forward.
“I encourage community members to take the time to review the draft master plan and provide their feedback.”
Council said the plan would guide habitat restoration projects, support grant applications and inform infrastructure needs to improve the passive recreation and access to the creek for everyone.
“A key feature of the plan includes walking [and] cycling tracks that ‘loop’ and provide connections to longer trails,” council said.
“These tracks will give locals and visitors diverse experiences such as wide-open spaces, natural and exotic forested areas and opportunities to access the water’s edge to watch, enjoy and learn about nature.”
To have you say online, head to: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay. For in-person submissions head to the Woodend Community Centre.
Write to PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 or email environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au.
