Council Meeting Wrap Up – August 2026

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT 

Place of worship application in Kyneton 

Council resolved to issue a notice of decision to approve a planning permit for a proposed place of worship and two-lot subdivision at 133 Harpers Lane, Kyneton.  

The application attracted 23 submissions of support and one objection during the public notification process. Following consideration of the officer recommendation and debate at the meeting, Councillors supported an amended motion to approve the permit, determining that the proposal could proceed subject to conditions that address matters raised through the planning assessment process. 

Updated Dog and Cat Order adopted 

Council adopted a new Domestic Animals Act Control Order which updates designated dog off-leash and prohibited areas across the shire.  

The updated Order follows extensive community consultation and retains existing requirements for dogs to be on leash in public places unless within designated off-leash areas, and for cats to remain confined to their owners’ properties between sunset and sunrise. The changes will come into effect on 1 October 2026. Council also resolved to consider community feedback themes, including improved signage, education, dog waste facilities and dedicated fenced dog parks, as part of the 2027/28 Council Budget process. 

Lancefield Structure Plan decision deferred 

Council considered options to address the future of Development Plan Overlay 24 (DPO24) in Lancefield, including a targeted review of the overlay or the preparation of a township-wide Structure Plan.  

Following debate, Councillors resolved to defer consideration of an application to the Department of Transport and Planning’s Regional Planning Hubs program until April 2027. The deferral will allow further consideration of the most appropriate strategic planning approach and provide an opportunity to hear from the Lancefield community and key stakeholders about local priorities, opportunities and future growth.  

Hanging Rock East Paddock management to continue 

Council agreed to continue its role as Committee of Management for the East Paddock at Hanging Rock until 31 December 2027, ensuring ongoing management of the reserve while longer term-governance arrangements for the precinct are considered. 

SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES 

Kindergarten planning guide adopted 

Council adopted a new principles-based guide to support future decisions regarding Council’s role in kindergarten delivery and infrastructure across the shire.  

The guide responds to ongoing Victorian Government kindergarten reforms and will assist Council in assessing future kindergarten projects based on community need, accessibility, vulnerability, funding availability and opportunities for co-located services.  

Affordable Housing Policy adopted 

Council adopted a new Affordable Housing Policy following public consultation. 

The policy establishes Council’s position on affordable housing and provides a framework to guide advocacy, planning, partnerships and decision-making. It recognises the growing housing affordability challenges facing many residents and supports increased housing diversity, affordability and long-term housing security.  

Councillors also resolved that any proposal involving the use of Council land for a new affordable housing project, a significant change to an existing affordable housing project, or Council participating in a new type of affordable housing initiative must first be brought to Council for in-principle endorsement before progressing beyond the initial assessment stage. 

Community grants recommended for funding 

Council noted funding recommendations for the first round of the 2026/27 Small Project Grants Program.  

Eight local community projects were recommended for funding across the shire, supporting initiatives including community facilities, volunteer training, accessibility improvements and local heritage projects.  

Councillors resolved that a review of the process by which grant outcomes are communicated to Councillors be undertaken, with a report to be presented at the October 2026 Council Meeting. 

New youth mental health program developed through co-design 

Council received an update on the Next Generation of Youth Mental Health Promotion Program.  

The new program has been co-designed with young people, schools and stakeholders and will focus on practical mental health skills, resilience, wellbeing education and strong school partnerships to support young people across the Macedon Ranges.  

Native title claim update 

Council noted that the Chief Executive Officer has registered Macedon Ranges Shire Council as a party to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Native Title Claim.  

Becoming a party ensures Council remains informed throughout the process and can represent its interests where Council-managed land and responsibilities may be affected. 

ADVOCACY AND REPRESENTATION 

Disaster recovery funding reform response 

Council noted its organisational submission to the National Emergency Management Agency’s proposed disaster recovery funding reforms.  

Council’s submission supports improvements to disaster recovery funding while advocating strongly against any transfer of financial, operational or administrative burden from higher levels of government to local councils and communities.  

Petition received – Batters Lane, Kyneton 

Council received a petition requesting a reduction to the speed limit on Batters Lane, Kyneton.  

Council noted the petition and requested a report be prepared for consideration at the October 2026 Council Meeting.  

Station Road traffic signals 

Council endorsed a Notice of Motion requesting an update from the Department of Transport and Planning regarding proposed traffic signals on Station Road in New Gisborne.  

The request seeks information on approvals, planning and design work associated with the project, with Council noting ongoing community interest in the proposal. 

Council also considered a range of governance and operational matters, including adopting the Risk Management Policy 2026, and endorsing the awarding of contracts when finalised for upgraded LED lighting at Gisborne South Tennis Courts and traffic management works in Hamilton Street, Gisborne. 

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