Bid to protect Bunjil Creek bridge, channel and historic trees

Published on 30 September 2021

Council is seeking to permanently protect Gisborne’s Bunjil Creek bridge and bluestone channel and three historically significant trees located in Howey Reserve before works commence on the Kilmore Road Intersection Upgrade.

This important entrance to Gisborne is identified by Council and the community as having local aesthetic and historical significance.

A planning scheme amendment (C143macr) has commenced to introduce a new Heritage Overlay to the Bunjil Creek bridge and bluestone channel. It will also extend an existing Heritage Overlay to include two oaks and one elm tree that align with the existing heritage avenue in Howey Reserve.

Director Planning and Environment Angela Hughes said Council supports the protection and retention of the heritage places and trees.

“There is in-principle support for the Kilmore Road Intersection Upgrade and the positive impact that it would have on the safety and efficiency of the Gisborne transport network,” Ms Hughes said. “The proposed amendment means that any potential impact of buildings and works on the site would be assessed through a planning process, taking into account the site’s significance as a historic gateway to Gisborne.”

“Other vegetation including two mature Elm trees will need to be removed,” she said. “However graftings from these significant trees have been taken by Regional Roads Victoria to replant in the area later on”.

“Overall this amendment will ensure that the proposed Kilmore Road Intersection Upgrade works can proceed by minimising the loss of historically significant features.”

Interested residents can view the proposed amendment on Council’s website.

The amendment can also be viewed by the public during office hours at:

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Offices and Service Centres:

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website. Submissions about the amendment must be received by Friday 12 November 2021.