Council Meeting Wrap Up – June 2026
Last updated on 19 June 2026
Key items considered and endorsed at the Council Meeting held on 17 June 2026 are outlined below.
Council adopted its 2026–27 Budget, outlining investment in services, infrastructure and community priorities across the Macedon Ranges over the coming financial year.
The budget forms part of Council’s Strategic Planning and Reporting Framework and supports the delivery of the Council Plan - Shaping the Ranges 2025-2035 - balancing community priorities with long term financial sustainability.
Further information regarding the adopted Budget highlights will be circulated under a separate media release.
Shaping the Ranges 2025–2035 – Year 2 Action Plan and Indicators
Council adopted the Year 2 Action Plan and Indicators for Shaping the Ranges 2025–2035.
The Year 2 Action Plan outlines the key actions Council will deliver during 2026-27 to support the priorities and strategic objectives of Shaping the Ranges 2025-2035. It also establishes the performance indicators that will be used to monitor and report on progress throughout the year.
Amendment C164macr – Clarkefield Township Development
Council noted a preliminary submission made to Engage Victoria regarding the proposed Clarkefield Township Development planning scheme amendment.
The submission raises concerns about strategic justification, infrastructure delivery, financial impacts, environmental impacts, governance arrangements and the timing of the proposal. Council also noted that a more detailed submission will be considered at the 22 July 2026 Council Meeting before being provided to the Minister for Planning.
Community and environmental initiatives
King's Birthday Honour Recipients 2026
Council acknowledged local residents recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, including Patricia Kaye OAM, Pam Ahern OAM and Mary-Jane Welsh APM, and noted their significant contributions to the community, animal welfare and public service.
Youth Council Progress Report
Council received a progress report on the establishment of the inaugural Youth Council, outlining milestones undertaken since December 2025. The report highlighted the process undertaken to develop the Youth Council program, future evaluation activities, and included a public announcement of the nine Youth Councillors with upcoming induction and training plans.
Environment and Community Climate Action Grants
Council noted the successful recipients of the 2025–26 Environment Group Support Grants and Community Climate Action Grants and congratulates all applicants.
Funding will support a range of community-led initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation, climate action, sustainable food production, active transport, community engagement and volunteer capacity building. Fourteen environment groups received support through the Environment Group Support Grants, while 6 projects were funded through the Community Climate Action Grants program, co-funded by Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd.
Council also resolved to use the unspent environment and climate action grant funds on support for the Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association ($15,000) and Council led action on pests and weeds and roadsides ($6,188).
Petition – Campaspe River Walk Dog Off-Lead Areas
Council considered a petition regarding dog off-lead areas and associated provisions along the Campaspe River Walk in Kyneton.
The petition requested changes to existing off-lead arrangements, additional off-lead times and access for dogs to enter the Campaspe River. Council noted the petition, thanked the submitters, and advised that the matters raised will be considered as part of the broader review of the Dog and Cat Order.
Community Local Law 2023 – Proposed amendment
Council endorsed the release of a proposed amendment to the Community Local Law 2023 to inform the community of some intended changes.
The amendment would remove Clause 38(h), which relates to restrictions on fireworks during the koala breeding season, following advice that the clause is not currently enforceable due to procedural requirements under the Local Government Act 2020. Council endorsed that a report be provided to a future council meeting which will include a summary of any feedback received from the community following an engagement process.
Council considered a report on the review of its Instruments of Delegation. A further report will be prepared for Councillors at the July Council Meeting.
25 Ashbourne Road, Woodend
The application is for a 26-lot subdivision, associated infrastructure, and native vegetation removal, and it is currently at VCAT. Council resolved to not support the application due to a range of concerns, including stormwater management, flood risk, native vegetation removal and impacts on biodiversity. The proposal was also found to fall short in delivering an appropriate neighbourhood street network, relying on unsealed roads and not providing safe or convenient movement through the area.
In addition, the scale and nature of construction works required to facilitate the subdivision were considered to have unreasonable impacts, particularly in relation to construction access, dust, road conditions and residential amenity. Concerns were also raised about the layout and function of proposed roads, and their relationship with the existing local road network.
Service delivery and planning policies
Council endorsed the Kerbside Collection and Associated Services Charge Policy, which provides a framework for the application of waste and recycling service charges across the shire; discussed options regarding lift replacement at Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre; and received information regarding the Management of Lancefield Park.
Council also endorsed the Draft Statutory Planning Fee Waiver and Rebate Policy for community consultation, seeking feedback on a proposed framework for waiving or rebating statutory planning fees in specific circumstances.
Council considered an urgent item regarding the future of the Kyneton Training Depot (Kyneton Drill Hall), noting the Department of Defence is divesting the site and has opened consultation on its future use.
Council resolved to prepare a submission highlighting the heritage significance of the site and advocating for the retention of the historic building, with the submission to be shared publicly and provided to key stakeholders, including Federal and State representatives, the RSL and the National Trust. Council also noted the site’s current heritage protections under the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme, as well as its absence from the Commonwealth Heritage List.