Funding allocated for master plans

Published on 02 November 2018

Six master plans will be developed for Council owned and managed land and facilities following a funding allocation of $170,000 by Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Advocacy will also begin to source funding for an Equestrian Facilities Master Plan for the shire.

In its 2018/19 budget, Council allocated $120,000 for master planning in the 2018/19 financial year, based on existing strategies and plans of Council.

A further $50,000 was allocated in August to create capacity for the consideration of a master plan of the Woodend Community Centre, subject to Councillors confirming it as a project priority.

The 2018/19 priorities have now been finalised and the following master plans allocated funding:

Additional external funding may be required to complete some of these master plans, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Council will also pursue funding opportunities in order to develop an Equestrian Facilities Master Plan for the shire.

A master plan will draw on information already gathered in previous work by Council.

The shire already has a strong equine presence covering recreation, welfare, competition/sport, education and breeding and a master plan would provide clarity around the future provision of facilities by Council.

Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said external funding opportunities existed which could be sought for the project.

“Any funding obtained would support Council to develop an overarching master plan for all equestrian Council owned and managed equestrian facilities in the shire,” she said.

“An overarching master plan would help set the future direction for this important activity in the shire. Improved facilities will not only support existing equine businesses but will also assist attract new opportunities.”

Ms Stork said the allocation of funding to the Woodend Community Centre Master Plan was also significant: “This allocation will allow Council to work with the community on developing a future plan for this prominent and well-used site.”

Ms Stork said 2018/19 was a transition year for Council, which had developed a new process for evaluating and determining master planning priorities.

 “We will continue our ongoing internal work on strengthening long term strategic planning within the organisation, and this will enhance our decision making for both master planning and strategy development.”