Council Meeting wrap up - April 2026
Last updated on 28 April 2026
Key items considered and endorsed at the Council Meeting held on 22 April 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.
198 Mount Gisborne Road, Gisborne
Council endorsed an alternative motion to refuse to extend an existing planning permit for the development of a telecommunications facility at 198 Mount Gisborne Road, Gisborne.
Council formed the position that sufficient time had elapsed for the development of the land to commence, and that the applicant had failed to provide good reasons or sufficient evidence as to why the extension should be granted.
Anzac Day Commemorative Services Grant Guidelines
Council adopted updated guidelines for the Anzac Day Commemorative Services Support Fund.
The revised guidelines will allow all groups that support Anzac Day commemorative services to access funding for required traffic management, specifically noting an alteration relating to the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, helping ensure Anzac Day events can continue safely and consistently across the shire.
Proposal to rename Clarke Street footbridge, Mount Macedon
Council considered community feedback on renaming the Clarke Street footbridge in honour of the late Christine Walker, former Councillor, and resolved to proceed with submitting the proposed name - ‘Christine Walker Footbridge’ - to the Registrar of Geographic Names.
Budget 2026/27 - Community Engagement
Council endorsed the release of consultation materials for the Draft Budget 2026-27, and community consultation for a 4-week period (including through Council’s Your Say platform.
The Budget 2026-27 aims to provide a high level of works and services to our community, focusing on renewal and reinvesting in existing infrastructure and assets, while keeping rates as low as possible and within the rate cap. Feedback received during this period will be presented to Council, together with the Draft Budget 2026-27, for consideration at the June 2026 Council Meeting.
Three Chain Road, Newham – Intersection Update
Council endorsed an amended officer recommendation, which noted an update on safety improvements and recent progress at the Three Chain Road intersection as tabled in the meeting agenda, but updated one point to reflect that the Department of Transport and Planning had supported Council’s submission and approved a speed limit reduction from 100 km/h to 80km/h along the section of Three Chain Road surrounding the intersection (noted in an update on Council’s Latest News section of the website).
Small Project Grants Recommendations
Council endorsed awarding of a total of $14,456.30 of funding allocations across 7 applications under the Small Project Grants program, which provides up to $3,000 to support local community groups to deliver programs and initiatives that benefit residents of the Macedon Ranges and help achieve Council Plan goals. Council noted that as a result of these latest allocations, funding under this program for 2025-26 had been expended. In response, groups are encouraged to apply for the Community Funding Scheme, closing 3 May 2026.
Additionally, Council also:
- noted a petition regarding the Campaspe River Walk dog off-leash zone, which included requests for extended off-leash hours and additional facilities, and requested a report be presented to the June 2026 Council meeting
- decided to delay adopting the updated Risk Management Policy until August to allow more time to develop risk appetite statements through workshops
- approved updated Instruments of Appointment and Authorisation, ensuring relevant staff can carry out their statutory roles under current legislation.
Notice of Motion
Council carried a Notice of Motion in relation to Parks Victoria’s Mount Macedon Memorial Cross View Lines Project. The motion outlined Council’s opposition to the Victorian Minister for Planning’s decision to approve the project as a State Project under clause 52.30-2 of the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme, following Council’s earlier refusal to grant a permit for vegetation removal in July 2023. The Notice of Motion also seeks further information about the process and the assessment of vegetation offsets.