November 2023 Council Meeting wrap
Last updated on 24 November 2023
A number of important items were endorsed by Council at this week’s Council Meeting, including:
Macedon Ranges Shire Skate and BMX Strategy: Following another period of community consultation earlier this year, Council adopted the Macedon Ranges Shire Skate and BMX Strategy, which will guide the future development of skate and BMX facilities throughout the shire.
A key proposal of Council's Sport and Active Recreation Strategy (2018-2028), the new strategy suggests a series of short, medium and long-term priorities to upgrade or expand on Council’s six existing skateparks and four BMX tracks.
The short-term priorities include the in-progress detailed design and construction of a new skatepark in Romsey, a similar approach for new facilities in Kyneton and a site feasibility study for new facilities in Gisborne, building on concept designs proposed for Gisborne Skatepark in late 2022.
Romsey Skatepark designs: Council endorsed a period of community consultation on designs showcasing what the new Romsey Skatepark would look like, with $550,000 committed by the Victorian Government and work continuing behind the scenes to secure the project’s full funding.
An upgrade driven by the Lancefield Romsey Lions Club for a number of years, including periods of community consultation throughout 2022 and 2023, the new skatepark would feature a large bowl, a quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners.
Council will lead the next phase of community consultation, set to formally begin in early 2024, to account for the upcoming extended school holiday period and to support maximum engagement (consistent with past consultations).
Positive Ageing Plan annual update: Council noted the Year Three annual review and Year Four action plan for Council’s five-year Positive Ageing Plan, PARTICIPATE, which responds to the needs, priorities, aspirations and challenges of older people in the shire.
Centred around four priority action areas, the plan’s recent related outcomes include the extensive transition out of in-home support services, the ongoing and highly engaging Village Connect program, and securing funding to deliver the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
Actions to target this coming year include supporting accessible and improved transport options, encouraging and supporting older people to participate in Council volunteering opportunities, and reviewing all Council plans against accessibility requirements.
In other matters, Council:
- endorsed the schedule of meetings for 2024 for both the Council and Planning Delegated Committee meetings
- endorsed funding adjustments to budgeted infrastructure projects as part of capital works monitoring, including increasing funds towards Kyneton Cricket Club net upgrades and Mission Hill Road bridge works, and reallocating funds to complete detailed designs for two key local reserves.
Video recordings of past Council meetings are available here (generally available within two business days of a meeting).