Council Meeting Wrap Up – May 2026

Last updated on 02 June 2026

Key items considered and endorsed at the Council Meeting held on 27 May 2026 are outlined below.    

The reasonings and discussions behind these decisions can be found in the meeting Agenda and recording.

From 22 April 2026, meetings will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel.You can view a playlist of meetings on and after this date here.

Community consultation opportunities 

Draft Affordable Housing Policy 

Council endorsed community consultation on an updated Draft Affordable Housing Policy, which is designed to guide Council’s response to housing affordability challenges across the Macedon Ranges.  

The policy outlines principles, advocacy priorities and potential mechanisms to support increased access to diverse and affordable housing options for local residents. 

Nature Strip Landscaping Policy Review 

Council endorsed 4 weeks of community consultation on an updated Nature Strip Landscaping Policy, which provides clearer guidance for residents wishing to landscape the nature strip outside their property. 

The review aims to balance community interest in alternative landscaping (such as low-water gardens) with requirements for safety, accessibility, drainage and maintenance. 

Urgent business 

Council raised an urgent item of business in relation to the Victorian State Government’s Draft Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme Amendment C164macr to Clarkefield. This item endorsed: 

  • noting Council’s request for an extension of time to lodge a submission past the 1 June 2026 deadline had informally been refused by the Department of Transport and Planning, and Council awaited a formal written response 

  • noting at the 22 July 2026 Council meeting, officers will present a formal position on draft Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme Amendment – C164macr for Council endorsement and submission to the Minister for Planning 

  • noting in the absence of a time extension, Council officers will submit an officer-level response to the draft Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme Amendment – C164macr by the nominated consultation closing date of 1 June 2026 

  • writing to the Minister of Planning, with a copy to the local Member for Macedon, advising of this resolution and that Council will make a formal submission following the Council meeting on 22 July 2026 

  • noting that the Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy 2011 and the Minister-approved Statement of Planning Policy identifies Clarkefield as a ‘hamlet’ intended to accommodate approximately 300–400 dwellings, and not as a District Town of the scale of 2500 dwellings. 

Policies and strategies adopted 

Biodiversity Strategy 2026 

Council adopted the new Biodiversity Strategy 2026, which will guide environmental conservation across the shire and replace the previous 2018 strategy.  

The updated strategy reflects extensive community consultation, and introduces a refined action plan with 69 actions focused on protecting and enhancing biodiversity. It also identifies 3 priority projects including reducing wildlife road toll (aligning with a priority in Council’s Advocacy Projects Prospectus), strengthening biodiversity outcomes on private land, and building biodiversity capacity across Council operations. 

Community Engagement Policy 

Council adopted an updated Community Engagement Policy, which sets out how Council will involve residents, stakeholders and community groups in decision-making processes. The policy aims to strengthen transparency, consistency and inclusiveness in engagement practices across Council projects and initiatives.  

Also noted was a proposed staged approach to developing and trialling the remaining elements of the Community Engagement Framework, with learnings to inform broader application across Council’s community engagement activities. 

Other general matters 

Petition – Romsey Road pedestrian crossing, Woodend 

Council noted a petition signed by 174 residents requesting a safer pedestrian crossing on Romsey Road in Woodend. Council has requested a detailed officer report to be presented at the July 2026 meeting to further investigate the matter and potential solutions. 

Notice of Motion – Public Secondary School Provision 

Council considered a Notice of Motion relating to the need for additional public secondary school provision in the Macedon Ranges. The motion highlights ongoing population growth and associated demand for education infrastructure and supports continued advocacy to the Victorian Government to plan for and deliver future secondary school capacity in the region.  

Council committed to writing to the Department of Education Victoria requesting an update on the status and future planning for public secondary education provision within the Macedon Ranges, providing a copy of the correspondence to the Minister for Education, the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, and the Member for Macedon, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP.  

Hybrid Council Meetings 

Council reviewed and endorsed new arrangements for hybrid Council meetings for the remainder of the year, enabling both in-person and virtual participation. The report supports improving accessibility and flexibility for Councillors and the community, while maintaining transparency and compliance with governance requirements. 

Quarterly Financial Report (Jan-Mar 2026) 

Council received and noted the Quarterly Financial Report for the period January to March 2026, providing a snapshot of financial performance against the adopted budget, including income, expenditure and progress on key projects. The report confirms that Council is tracking broadly in line with budget and remains in a sound financial position while continuing to deliver services and capital works. 

Additional Council Meeting – October 2026 

Council endorsed the addition of an extra Council Meeting date in October 2026. This will ensure adequate time to consider audited performance and financial statements, prior to their inclusion in the Annual Report.  

Planning matters 

Council also considered and decided on several planning matters including: 

  • resolving to support an application to amend an existing Section 173 Agreement for 4 Oasis Avenue in Kyneton (AGR/2026/1), allowing greater flexibility in building design by permitting a single-storey roof form to exceed six metres in height under defined conditions, while maintaining overall building height limits and ensuring the development remains consistent with the intent of the original agreement. 

  • following an alternative motion, resolving to issue a notice of refusal for the use of an existing outbuilding as a warehouse at 1433 Bolinda Darraweit Road in Darraweit Guim (PLN/2025/144), citing concerns over the use contrary to the purpose of the Township Zone; noise and land use compatibility; and not adequately responding to the amenity expectations of nearby residents 

  • resolving to issue a notice of refusal to two interrelated applications, proposing amendments to a Section 173 Agreement and a planning permit in relation to multiple properties on Trenchard Street in Woodend (PLN/2020/225/C & AGR/2025/18), including noting that the proposed amendments result in unacceptable disadvantage to those who are party to the agreement. 

 

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