Have your say on updated Hanging Rock Environmental Management Plan

Have your say on updated Hanging Rock Environmental Management Plan

Published on 28 July 2021

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting feedback on the updated Environmental Management Plan for Hanging Rock.

The updated Plan will continue the environmental works, such as extensive weed control and revegetation that have previously been completed at Hanging Rock and focus on enhancing the site’s vegetation and habitat.

Ecological restoration specialists, Practical Ecology, updated the plan which was funded by the Victorian Government. The updated plan builds on the work outlined in the 2015 Environmental Management Plan and the 2018 Hanging Rock Strategic Plan, which gives priority to protecting and enhancing the site’s environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage values.

Angela Hughes, Director Planning and Environment, said following the launch of the 2018 Strategic Plan, funding of $3 million was provided for the implementation of the Hanging Rock Strategic Plan over three years.

“As part of this implementation, the Victorian Government provided funding to Council to review the existing Environment Management Plan. This project is being undertaken alongside a Victorian Government project to prepare an Aboriginal Conservation Management Plan for the site which assesses the Aboriginal cultural values of Hanging Rock and requirements for management of the area.

“Both projects will inform the preparation of a master plan for the site, and I encourage residents to have their say on environmental management of this iconic destination within our shire,” said Ms Hughes.

The community is invited to share their feedback on the key management directions proposed for the updated Environmental Management Plan which are:

Establishment of new “Connectivity Zones” that will be targeted for progressive revegetation while maintaining public access for picnicking and passive recreation. Eradication of high threat weeds. Preparation and implementation of a Pest Animal Management Plan. Establishment of a planned burn program for ecological, cultural and fuel management outcomes. Accessing specialist advice about Kangaroo management aimed at reducing the grazing pressure on the site’s native vegetation. Implementation of restoration strategies in the Core Conservation Zones aimed at stimulating natural regeneration of trees, shrubs and understory species. Development and implementation of a flora monitoring plan and expansion of current fauna monitoring activities to other species such as reptiles, fish, amphibians, bats and invertebrates. Adjustments to existing Fuel Management Zones and fuel management practices to minimise bushfire risk. Maintenance of the current number and intensity of public events, with no increase.

The draft updated Plan will be available for public feedback from Wednesday 28 July until 5pm on Wednesday 25 August. A copy of the draft updated Plan can be accessed from Council’s Administration Centres (pending COVID restrictions) or on Council’s website.

There are a number of ways you can have your say: