Facilities, services and business support update

Published on 18 September 2020

Council is looking to reopen more facilities, including Hanging Rock Reserve and visitor information centres, in coming weeks following the easing of pandemic restrictions in regional Victoria. 

Opening dates will be set and advised to the community following the completion of appropriate risk assessment processes. Signage and restrictions will be in place at all sites as appropriate to ensure the health and safety of the community.  

Extra relief for businesses in Macedon Ranges is on the way, after the state government announced an additional $290 million support package. This includes the Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package to provide $87.5 million to councils and businesses to create safer and more practical outdoor dining areas ahead of summer. 

As part of this package, hospitality businesses can apply to the state government for grants up to $5,000 to help pay for items that will help them transition to a bigger and safer outdoor dining space, such as umbrellas, outdoor furniture, screens and equipment. They will also receive training, advertising and other supports to assist with the process. Grants are available for licensed and unlicensed cafes, restaurants, takeaway food businesses, pubs, taverns, bars and clubs. 

Council is eligible for a grant of up to $250,000 to support the above, and officers are currently working to facilitate this.  

Business owners and operators who would like to be kept informed on COVID-related support and initiatives should sign up for updates from Council by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 5422 0333. 

Playgrounds, skate parks, barbecues, sports grounds, park benches and outdoor exercise stations have already been opened in the shire following regional Victoria’s move to Step 3 under the Victorian Government’s Roadmap to Recovery from COVID-19. 

Keep up to date on Council’s service changes and closures.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Australian Government Department of Health, and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.