February 2024 Council Meeting wrap

Last updated on 05 March 2024

The following items were endorsed for community consultation at last week’s Council Meeting:

Gambling Harm Prevention Policy ─ the draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy has been developed to replace the Electronic Gaming Machine (Pokies) Community Policy, endorsed in 2009.

The updated policy confirms Council’s commitment to work with relevant stakeholders to address the harmful impacts of gambling in the community and supports Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025, which identified preventing harm from gambling as a priority.

The policy was developed utilising local demographics, including financial losses through electronic gaming machines in the Macedon Ranges, as well as contemporary research into gambling harms resulting in a public health approach being adopted.

Riddells Creek Movement Network Study ─ the draft Riddells Creek Movement Network Study aims to provide a strategic transport plan proposing infrastructure to accommodate long-term population growth within the Riddells Creek township boundary, and to address the local community's transport concerns.

Recommendations are provided for pedestrian, cycling and intersection improvements and speed limit reduction.

Various stakeholders, including the Riddells Creek Community Planning Group (RCCPG) and The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), have provided earlier input into the draft study This broader community consultation will include the top 30 recommendations shortlisted.

Barkly Square Multipurpose Facility Options ─ Council is seeking feedback on the preferred site of a new multipurpose facility at Barkly Square in Kyneton.

Council previously endorsed the development of a multipurpose facility for the Kyneton and District Soccer Club and Kyneton Obedience Dog Club to replace the existing ageing infrastructure (Obedience Dog Club rooms, old soccer change rooms, social room area and public toilet block).

Several site location options have been considered for the construction of the facility, with Council officers recommending the western side of Barkly Square as the most optimal.

These consultations are now open and will run until 31 March. To view them and provide feedback, visit Your Say.

The following planning matters were endorsed at this week’s Council Meeting:

Amendment C153macr (101-105 Willowbank Road Gisborne) ─ Council adopted Amendment C153macr, which will rezone the vacant land at 101-105 Willowbank Road from residential to commercial, allowing for the development of a small supermarket, a medical centre, office and two cafés, and car parking spaces for residents in Gisborne’s south.

Amendment C153macr underwent public exhibition from 8 May - 13 June 2023, with submissions presented at a Planning Delegated Committee on 12 July 2023.

The matter was referred to an independent planning panel on 8 December 2023, where it was determined the proposal was consistent with strategic policy directions, the location is appropriate, and the proposal can deliver acceptable planning outcomes.

The panel recommended some changes to the plan, specifically regarding drainage. The Amendment adopted by Council includes these recommendations.

Amendment C157macr (Mollison Street, Malmsbury) ─ Council adopted Amendment C157macr which will see 12 parcels of land at 9-25 (part of), 31, 33 and 35 Mollison Street, rezoned from the current Commercial 2 Zone to the Neighbourhood Residential Zone.

Specifications around minimum lot sizes, maximum building heights, minimum street setbacks and site coverage will ensure any new development reflects the character of the township.

Community feedback was invited from 6 November - 13 December 2023. No objections were received, and no outstanding issues were identified, meaning a planning panel was not required.

Council will now submit both Amendment C153macr and Amendment C157macr to the Minister for Planning for approval in accordance with Section 31 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

To view current active planning applications, visit Council's Planning Register.

Video recordings of past Council meetings are available here (generally available within two business days of a meeting).