Advocacy

Council advocates on behalf of the Macedon Ranges community to help secure funding, support and decisions that respond to local priorities.

Our 2026 Advocacy Projects Prospectus(PDF, 4MB) sets out the key projects and issues Council is advocating for, following endorsement of the priority list at the December 2025 Council Meeting.

The pages below provide more information about these priorities, along with other advocacy opportunities that support Council’s strategic goals.

Advocacy Toolkit

Our toolkit helps our community, and local groups and organisations advocate for the issues that matter to them.

2026 Victorian State Election

Find out what Council is advocating for ahead of the November State Election and keep up-to-date with commitments made for the Macedon Ranges.

Amendment C164macr - Clarkefield development proposal

Council has advocated to the Victorian Government on a consultation process it is leading, proposing significant development to the town of Clarkefield.

Delivering Barkly Square Pavilion

We’re calling for $3.87 million in government funding to deliver the new, modern and accessible pavilion

Development Plan Overlay 24 - Lancefield (DPO24)

Council is continuing to advocate to the Victorian Government around the future of Development Plan Overlay 24 (DPO24) in Lancefield.

Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) Levy

Council is very disappointed that legislation for the ESVF Levy has passed through the Victorian Parliament in a rushed way, and without a full assessment being undertaken of its impacts on rural and regional communities and local government areas.

Enhancing our Biodiversity

Acquiring biodiversity datasets at key intervals to provide a robust evidence base for biodiversity planning and protecting and enhancing the Macedon Ranges’ natural environment, with $55,000 sought.

Intersection of Romsey Road and High Street, Woodend

Council is supporting a community-driven push to improve pedestrian safety at a dangerous Victorian Government-managed crossing point on Romsey Road in Woodend.

Intersection of Urquhart and High Streets, Woodend

Council has been advocating to the Victorian Government and the Department of Transport and Planning for a number of years, relating to community and Council safety concerns for the intersection at Urquhart and High streets in Woodend (just outside of the supermarket complex).

Kyneton Drill Hall

Council has noted the proposed sale of the Kyneton Drill Hall by the Australian Government's Department of Defence, and is advocating for heritage values of the site to be retained. Image: Department of Defence.

Old Kyneton Primary School Site

At the March 2025 Council Meeting, Council endorsed a Notice of Motion relating to the Old Kyneton Primary School site.

Prioritising Local Roads

Investment in addressing sections of key local roads, with individual road projects valued between $840,000 and $2.5 million (a total of $7.315 million sought).

Progressing Key Master Plans

Seeking to progress existing endorsed master plans that guide the future development of key recreational and open space reserves across the shire, outlining opportunities to ensure that future funding is directed in a realistic and strategic way.

Reducing Wildlife Roadstrike

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are becoming increasingly common across Victoria and the Macedon Ranges records one of the highest rates of wildlife road strike in the State.

Resilient Futures for our Young People

Creation of a local Youth Hub offering mental health support, drug and alcohol and gambling harm-minimisation programs, and youth engagement activities, with $2 million sought.

State Government Accountability

Ongoing advocacy and seeking Victorian Government action.

Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid

We are one of 15 local government and other authorities that has been working on the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid since 2016.

Latest advocacy news updates

External asks clear through renewed Advocacy Projects Prospectus

Last updated on 05 May 2026

Council will continue to hold the Victorian Government to account on relevant matters, while also seeking external funding for key projects, through the new Advocacy Projects Prospectus.

Tagged as: , News

Urgent action sought on dangerous Romsey Road crossing in Woodend

Last updated on 05 May 2026

Council is supporting a community-driven push to improve pedestrian safety at a dangerous Victorian Government-managed crossing point on Romsey Road in Woodend – calls reinforced by two recent serious incidents.

Tagged as: , News

Council’s advocacy leads into Clarkefield consultation, now open

Last updated on 05 May 2026

A Victorian Government-led consultation proposing a significant development of Clarkefield is now open, following earlier advocacy from Council to implore broad community awareness and input.

Tagged as: , News

Council’s advocacy efforts bearing fruit on key road intersections

Last updated on 15 April 2026

Significant progress is being made on proposals to key road intersections at Newham, Lancefield and Woodend, driven by Council-led advocacy to the Victorian Government on behalf of the community.

Tagged as: , News