Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy

The Macedon Ranges has long been recognised as having a number of distinctive attributes and dominant features in our landscape.

The Statement of Planning Policy(PDF, 11MB) provides a framework to ensure the outstanding and valuable landscapes, layers of settlement history, impressive landforms, diverse natural environment, catchments and biodiversity of the Macedon Ranges are protected, conserved and enhanced and continue to be of special significance to the people of Victoria. It reaffirms and builds on the legacy of the Statement of Planning Policy No. 8 (Macedon Ranges and Surrounds) introduced in 1975.

Importantly, the statement also defines our settlement boundaries. It specifies protected settlement boundaries for the townships of Kyneton, Lancefield, Riddells Creek and Woodend that require parliamentary approval to change. There is more work required to finalise the settlement boundaries for the townships of Gisborne and Romsey.

The statement sets a long term vision for the iconic Macedon Ranges and has been prepared with input from the Victorian Government, Council, Traditional Owners (Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung) and the local community. We will now work to integrate the objectives and strategies into our future decision making, reflecting the intentions of this statement. Council is looking forward to working with all levels of government, responsible public entities and the community to ensure future decision making embraces the statement and reflects the community’s desire to protect and conserve this special place in Victoria.

The statement was endorsed at the 24 July 2019 Ordinary Council Meeting. The resolution requested that the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) assist Responsible Public Entities (RPEs) to implement the Statement by establishing a governance structure, work plan and funding program to implement the Statement. Council has thanked DEECA for their assistance in the preparation of the Statement and look forward to working with all levels of government, RPE’s and the community to ensure future decision making embraces the statement and reflects the community’s desire to protect and conserve this special place in Victoria.

More information can be found here: