October 2025 Council Meeting wrap
Last updated on 27 October 2025
Key items considered and endorsed at the October 2025 Council Meeting included:
Annual Report 2024–25
Council endorsed its Annual Report 2024–25, which details achievements, performance, and financial results for the past financial year. The report highlights strong financial management and key outcomes including the opening of the Lancefield Children’s Centre, continued expansion of the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, and a soft-plastics recycling pilot that diverted nearly 10 tonnes of waste from landfill. The report will be available on Council’s website and at Customer Service Centres.
Integrated Strategic Planning Documents
Council has adopted a new suite of integrated strategic planning documents. The Community Vision, Council Plan, Financial Plan and Asset Plan form part of the Strategic Planning and Financial Management Framework. Shaping the Ranges 2025–2035 combines the Community Vision and Council Plan, as required by the Local Government Act 2020, and now also includes the priority areas and actions formerly addressed in the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and Disability Action Plan, in line with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Disability Act 2006.
Developed in partnership with the community, these documents provide a clear, coordinated approach to long-term planning and resource allocation. These documents set the direction for the next decade, ensuring Council decisions align with community priorities such as protecting the environment, supporting local businesses, and fostering inclusion and resilience across the Shire.
Youth Mental Health
With heartfelt appreciation for all that Live4Life has achieved, Council endorsed the transition out of the current model by the end of this year.
In response to recent stakeholder feedback, Council commissioned an independent evaluation of the program to better understand the programs current impact and future options. While this evaluation acknowledges Live4Life’s longstanding positive impact, including strong partnerships, youth engagement and increased mental health literacy within the community, it also highlighted a number of challenges and new opportunities for the future.
Council will invite stakeholders including Youth Live4Life, local schools, service providers, and - most importantly - young people themselves, to co-design the ‘next generation’ in youth mental health promotion across our shire and continue Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s great legacy, innovation and contribution to this important community issue.
Former Riddells Creek CFA Station – 67 Main Road, Riddells Creek
Council considered a Victorian Government First Right of Refusal (FRR) purchase offer for the former Riddells Creek CFA Station at 67 Main Road. After reviewing the report, Councillors resolved to request an extension of time from the State Government to respond to the FRR process.
Council will now undertake further targeted engagement in the Riddells Creek community, particularly the Riddells Creek Men’s Shed and the Lions Club, regarding the site’s future use. Council will also write to Local Member Mary-Anne Thomas and relevant Ministers requesting a thorough consideration of community preferences for the site and continued engagement with both Council and the community.
Retirement Village – 72 Ferrier Road, New Gisborne
Council approved an amendment to the planning permit for the retirement village at 72 and 74 Ferrier Road, New Gisborne. The amendment allows for 116 villas (up from 96) and updated villa designs, road layout and landscaping. The development will provide more housing options for older residents while maintaining respect for the site’s heritage features and surrounding environment.
Childcare Centre – 23 Buckland Street, Woodend
Council noted that an application to develop a childcare centre at 23 Buckland Street, Woodend, had progressed to VCAT and had six objections. Council will participate in VCAT proceedings and support the granting of a planning permit. Council’s support for the proposal requires additional acoustic treatment and detailed landscaping plans.
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Determined not to add a 600-metre section of Newlands Road, Darraweit Guim, to the register, instead including a 1,360-metre section of Kennedys Lane as a Category 5 unsealed road.