Key items considered and endorsed at the Council Meeting held on 25 March 2026 are outlined below.
The reasonings and discussions behind these decisions can be found in the meeting Agenda and recording.
Draft Open Space Strategy
Council adopted the Draft Open Space Strategy 2026, with minor updates, which will guide the planning, management, and delivery of public open space across the Macedon Ranges for the next 10 years.
The strategy replaces the 2013 version and has been updated following extensive community consultation, noted at the December 2025 Council Meeting, which included 30 written submissions and 51 online survey responses. It strengthens policy direction on biodiversity, connectivity and equitable access to open space, while improving clarity, maps and implementation plans.
Tokai City – Sister City Agreement
Council decided to formally conclude its Sister City relationship with Tokai City in Japan, after more than 15 years of friendship and cooperation. A review found that the relationship no longer fits current strategic, economic, or community goals, with limited engagement since the COVID-19 pandemic. Council will write to Tokai City to respectfully close the partnership.
CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee – Appointment of Independent Advisor
Council approved appointing an independent advisor, Rebecca McKenzie -, to the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee for a term of up to 4 years. This appointment provides the committee with highly qualified, independent, professional advice when reviewing the CEO’s performance and remuneration, and ensures good governance, transparency and best practice.
Quarterly Financial Report and Mid-Year Budget Review (December 2025)
Council endorsed the Quarterly Financial Report for October-December 2025 and adopted the Mid-Year Budget Review.
The review updates Council’s financial position and performance, checks alignment with the adopted budget, and allows adjustments to meet operational and strategic needs, including changes to several projects and previously budgeted borrowings.
Kyneton Airfield – Hangar Sites Lease Negotiations
Council received an update on the progress of leases for hangar sites at Kyneton Airfield. The report highlighted progress toward formalising lease arrangements for all hangars to support ongoing aviation activities and proper use of the facility.
Procurement Policy
Council adopted a revised Procurement Policy. The updated policy ensures legislative requirements are met and reflects best practice, supporting continued transparent, efficient, and value-for-money purchasing across Council.
Innovation Working Group
Council endorsed creating an Innovation Working Group. The group is a low-cost model that will help drive new ideas, continuous improvement, and strategic problem-solving across Council services as part of the ongoing program of regular briefings.
Riddells Creek Men’s Shed – Land / Facility Requests
Council supported requests from the Riddells Creek Men’s Shed regarding land and facility needs, including providing in-principle support for direct negotiation of a lease for the site known as the ‘Police Paddock’ with an intention to resolve negotiations by November 2026. This will ultimately help the group to continue providing valuable community services and social connection opportunities.
Community Satisfaction Survey Action Plan
Council endorsed the Community Satisfaction Survey Action Plan. The plan sets out actions to respond to satisfaction survey results, aiming to improve services and address community feedback.
Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan
Council adopted the Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan, informed by initial community consultation in May 2023 with key stakeholders, and feedback on the draft plan in July-August 2024 in which 83 submissions were received. The plan guides future planning, investment, and management of equestrian facilities across the shire.
Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan
Council adopted the Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan, which has been progressed in close alignment with the Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan, given the equestrian facilities on the land. The master plan – informed by extensive community consultation, including 220 survey responses to the draft in September 2025 – sets a long-term vision for the reserve, balancing recreation, environmental values, and community needs.
Planning permits
Council considered and decided on several planning matters including:
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66 Howey Street, Gisborne – Advising VCAT, the permit applicant and objectors that should Council have been the Responsible Authority for the application, that Council would resolve to issue a Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Permit for the use and development of the land for a child care centre at 66 Howey Street, Gisborne.
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38-40 High Street, 42 High Street, and 21 Dundas Street, Lancefield – Issuing a Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Permit for the use of the land for dwellings; development of the land for a mixed use development (residential and retail) comprising 9 new dwellings (10 total dwellings), 4 new retail tenancies, and alterations (including demolition) and additions to existing shop; and reduction in car parking requirements.
Petitions
Additionally, Council also received and noted two community petitions, including:
Petition response: Tullohs Lane, Sidonia - Council noted and responded to a petition about fence and road maintenance at Tullohs Lane, Sidonia. Council reviewed the issues andnotedthe officerreport, outliningthat Councilwill takeno further action at this time.
Notices of Motion
Two Notices of Motion were also carried recommending that Council:
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request the CEO to prepare a report within 3 months for Council consideration, outlining a framework and process for Council to assume the ongoing management of the Lancefield Park Precinct, which is currently managed by a Committee of Management appointed by the relevant Victorian Government department.
Contracts
Council also approved awarding contracts, including:
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C26-128 Gisborne Futures Structure Plan - Gisborne Business Park - seeking the services of a consultant to realise the vision, objectives and actions of “Section 7: Economic and Employment Strategy” of the Gisborne Future Structure Plan. This work will include finalising a proposal to expand the Gisborne Business Park to the south and east via planning scheme amendment.