May 2024 Council Meeting wrap

May 2024 Council Meeting wrap

Last updated on 24 May 2024

The following matters were considered and endorsed at the May 2024 Council Meeting: 

Budget 2024-25 and Council Plan 2021-2031 (Year Four Actions 2024-25) – see separate media release for details. 

Romsey Structure Plan – The Romsey Structure Plan, which will guide growth and development of the town until 2050, was endorsed following an extended period of community consultation in August/September last year. 

Replacing the Romsey Outline Development Plan, the Structure Plan includes determining the protected settlement boundary as required under the Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy. 

A total of 94 written submissions and 213 survey responses were received during the consultation period, with a number of changes implemented into the final plan as a result. Key highlights of the plan include: 

Supporting infill development within the existing Romsey township by changing zoning and overlays to encourage infill development around the Romsey town centre. Supporting a high quality and vibrant town centre through providing sufficient land for commercial development and ensuring high quality outcomes using built form controls.  Providing land for housing in new growth areas of Romsey that provides housing choice while respecting the Romsey township character. Providing enough land in a new Romsey employment precinct on the corner of Greens Lane and Melbourne-Lancefield Road to provide jobs and services to the town.

Mayor Annette Death said: “This plan has been a long time in the making, but it is great to have a clear, well-informed direction to support the future growth of Romsey over the coming decades.” 

“A massive thank you to the Council officers who worked with Councillors to develop this plan, and all those Romsey residents and anyone else who took the time to review the draft plan and provide feedback. We hope the final updates made reflect that all feedback is very much valued and thoroughly considered.” 

Draft Heritage Strategy 2024-34 – This draft strategy, which is a strategic planning tool that sets out Council’s approach to the management of heritage within the shire, was endorsed for a period of community consultation set to commence in June 2024. 

The draft strategy has been informed by input from relevant Council staff and feedback from the community, through an initial consultation period in May/June last year in which residents were invited to share what they love about the heritage of Macedon Ranges through photos and words. 

The draft strategy proposes a list of 26 actions, comprising 18 new actions and eight that have already been implemented and are ongoing, but which are worthy of continued support. 

Mayor Annette Death said: “This updated draft strategy, complemented by the recently endorsed Thematic Environmental History, is essential to ensuring Council has a clear purpose and actions when it comes to protecting our shire’s heritage.” 

“I encourage anyone with an interest in the Macedon Ranges’ rich history to review the updated draft strategy and provide their feedback.” 

Complaint and Unreasonable Behaviour Policy – This policy, which outlines how Council will manage complaints and unreasonable behaviour, was endorsed following a period of community consultation in February/March this year. 

The updated Policy aims to improve complaint handling; to recognise and manage unreasonable behaviour; and to reinforce Council’s commitment to provide a high standard of customer service in accordance with the Customer Service Charter. 

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You can watch video recordings of past Council meetings online (generally available within two business days of a meeting).