The Andrews Labor Government has released a draft masterplan for Victoria’s iconic Hanging Rock precinct that will ensure the area’s environmental and cultural assets are protected.
Residents, community groups and visitors are invited to share their views and ideas on the draft Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan which is now open for consultation.
The plan outlines how the Hanging Rock Precinct in the Macedon Ranges will be protected and managed into the future, including finding ways to resolve some of the area’s major challenges.
Those challenges include ensuring increasing visitor numbers do not negatively impact Hanging Rock and the surrounding environment and planning for the future impacts of a changing climate.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Djaara, and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups to address and resolve these challenges while ensuring the important cultural stories are included throughout the precinct.
In 2018, the Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council approved the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to help protect the area. The master plan has been developed to show how the strategic plan will be implemented over the next 20 years.
Consultation is open until Monday, 28 February 2022. To view the draft plan visit: engage.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock-master-plan.
The final Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan is expected to be completed in June 2022.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“In collaboration with Traditional Owners, the master plan will ensure visitors can continue to visit Hanging Rock while managing impacts to the natural environmental and cultural assets of this iconic place into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Victorians love Hanging Rock, that’s why we are planning for its future and protecting its unique natural environment so we can ensure it continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.”
“This plan will ensure issues facing the area – included increasing numbers of visitors and the challenges of climate change − are addressed.”
The Andrews Labor Government has released a draft masterplan for Victoria’s iconic Hanging Rock precinct that will ensure the area’s environmental and cultural assets are protected.
Residents, community groups and visitors are invited to share their views and ideas on the draft Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan which is now open for consultation.
The plan outlines how the Hanging Rock Precinct in the Macedon Ranges will be protected and managed into the future, including finding ways to resolve some of the area’s major challenges.
Those challenges include ensuring increasing visitor numbers do not negatively impact Hanging Rock and the surrounding environment and planning for the future impacts of a changing climate.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Djaara, and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups to address and resolve these challenges while ensuring the important cultural stories are included throughout the precinct.
In 2018, the Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council approved the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to help protect the area. The master plan has been developed to show how the strategic plan will be implemented over the next 20 years.
Consultation is open until Monday, 28 February 2022. To view the draft plan visit: engage.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock-master-plan.
The final Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan is expected to be completed in June 2022.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“In collaboration with Traditional Owners, the master plan will ensure visitors can continue to visit Hanging Rock while managing impacts to the natural environmental and cultural assets of this iconic place into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Victorians love Hanging Rock, that’s why we are planning for its future and protecting its unique natural environment so we can ensure it continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.”
“This plan will ensure issues facing the area – included increasing numbers of visitors and the challenges of climate change − are addressed.”
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more food relief is available for Victorian families during the Christmas period with the delivery of an extra 220,000 meals through community food relief programs.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $6,182 for Kyneton Caring Community It is one of 17 organisations sharing in more than $850,000 through the third round of Food Relief Financial Reserve grants.
The grants build on $3.5 million already delivered through the program, which is providing more than 2.3 million meals and supporting 41 full-time equivalent food relief jobs. The funding will assist community food relief providers to deliver more food to Victorians in need as Victoria turns to economic and social recovery.
The Labor Government has invested more than $38 million to expand community food relief across Victoria since February 2020.
This includes $5 million in grants to 93 community food relief organisations for additional storage and equipment to deliver more food relief to Victorians in need.
The Government has also established a Food Relief Taskforce to provide system leadership and advice to government on strengthening and enhancing the community food relief system in Victoria. For the list of organisations receiving funding, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“We are proud to support Kyneton Caring Community in ensuring a meal is available for everyone who needs it – because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
“We are supporting food relief organisations across the state to continue their important work getting food out to vulnerable members of our community.”
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more food relief is available for Victorian families during the Christmas period with the delivery of an extra 220,000 meals through community food relief programs.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $6,182 for Kyneton Caring Community It is one of 17 organisations sharing in more than $850,000 through the third round of Food Relief Financial Reserve grants.
The grants build on $3.5 million already delivered through the program, which is providing more than 2.3 million meals and supporting 41 full-time equivalent food relief jobs. The funding will assist community food relief providers to deliver more food to Victorians in need as Victoria turns to economic and social recovery.
The Labor Government has invested more than $38 million to expand community food relief across Victoria since February 2020.
This includes $5 million in grants to 93 community food relief organisations for additional storage and equipment to deliver more food relief to Victorians in need.
The Government has also established a Food Relief Taskforce to provide system leadership and advice to government on strengthening and enhancing the community food relief system in Victoria. For the list of organisations receiving funding, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“We are proud to support Kyneton Caring Community in ensuring a meal is available for everyone who needs it – because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
“We are supporting food relief organisations across the state to continue their important work getting food out to vulnerable members of our community.”
Gisborne students will start 2022 in a brand new school, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s work to deliver a great local school for every Victorian student.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the new Willowbank Primary School building has reached practical completion, ahead of staff and students starting school in Term 1, 2022.
The Victorian Government made a commitment to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026. Willowbank Primary School, in the south of Gisborne, will open in 2022 was part of this commitment.
The school will have the following facilities:
An administration building, including library, art, food and science learning spaces
A performing arts and physical education building
Two learning neighbourhoods
Two outdoor hardcourts
A sports field
A bike shed
Playgrounds
Willowbank Primary School is one of 14 new schools and campuses opening its doors in 2022, alongside these fantastic schools statewide:
Bass Coast College - San Remo Campus
Clyde Creek Primary School
Clyde Secondary College
Deanside Primary School
Endeavour Hills Specialist School
Gilgai Plains Primary School
Greater Shepparton Secondary College
Greenvale Secondary College
McKinnon Secondary College – East Campus
Port Melbourne Secondary College
Strathtulloh Primary School
Wollert Primary School
Wurun Senior Campus
Every new Victorian primary school being built will have a kindergarten on-site or next door, to reduce the burden on parents and carers while continuing to build the Education State.
In the past seven years, the Labor Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating more than 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.
With 62 schools opening between 2019 and 2024, the Government is well ahead in its work to open 100 new schools by 2026, ensuring every Victorian child has access to a great local school.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“With the opening of Willowbank Primary School, every child in Gisborne now has a great school close to home. Every child deserves access to a world class education, that only the Andrews Labor Government can deliver.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re not wasting a moment delivering the biggest education construction boom in Australia – and I can’t wait to see students learning and playing at our 14 new schools and campuses in 2022."
Gisborne students will start 2022 in a brand new school, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s work to deliver a great local school for every Victorian student.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the new Willowbank Primary School building has reached practical completion, ahead of staff and students starting school in Term 1, 2022.
The Victorian Government made a commitment to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026. Willowbank Primary School, in the south of Gisborne, will open in 2022 was part of this commitment.
The school will have the following facilities:
An administration building, including library, art, food and science learning spaces
A performing arts and physical education building
Two learning neighbourhoods
Two outdoor hardcourts
A sports field
A bike shed
Playgrounds
Willowbank Primary School is one of 14 new schools and campuses opening its doors in 2022, alongside these fantastic schools statewide:
Bass Coast College - San Remo Campus
Clyde Creek Primary School
Clyde Secondary College
Deanside Primary School
Endeavour Hills Specialist School
Gilgai Plains Primary School
Greater Shepparton Secondary College
Greenvale Secondary College
McKinnon Secondary College – East Campus
Port Melbourne Secondary College
Strathtulloh Primary School
Wollert Primary School
Wurun Senior Campus
Every new Victorian primary school being built will have a kindergarten on-site or next door, to reduce the burden on parents and carers while continuing to build the Education State.
In the past seven years, the Labor Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating more than 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.
With 62 schools opening between 2019 and 2024, the Government is well ahead in its work to open 100 new schools by 2026, ensuring every Victorian child has access to a great local school.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“With the opening of Willowbank Primary School, every child in Gisborne now has a great school close to home. Every child deserves access to a world class education, that only the Andrews Labor Government can deliver.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re not wasting a moment delivering the biggest education construction boom in Australia – and I can’t wait to see students learning and playing at our 14 new schools and campuses in 2022."
Students in Langley and Bolinda will have better school environments to learn and succeed in, with the Andrews Labor Government funding key maintenance projects at schools right across the state.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that schools in Langley and Bolinda are among 94 schools sharing in $7.26 million of Planned Maintenance Program funding for vital improvements to classrooms and school grounds.
Bolinda Primary School has been allocated $20,000 and Langley Primary School has been allocated $80,000 for high priority maintenance tasks identified in the school's Specialist Assessment to address both school's roof issues.
The Planned Maintenance Program works address priority maintenance issues identified by the Labor Government’s ongoing evaluation of all school facilities – with work including fixing roofs and windows, repainting walls, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, pathways and stairs.
Almost $1 million of the funding will go towards maintenance to Shelter-in-Place buildings at 10 schools, which provide temporary accommodation to staff and students during a bushfire until emergency services arrive, or as a shelter of last resort.
The announcement brings the amount of Planned Maintenance funding the Labor Government has provided to schools in the 2021 school year to more than $47 million.
This fund makes sure all existing buildings at Victoria’s 1,500 government schools are safe, modern and properly maintained to ensure students and staff are comfortable and safe at school.
In the past seven years, the Labor Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating more than 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.
With 62 schools opening between 2019 and 2024, the Government is well ahead in its work to open 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every Victorian child has access to a great local school.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“We’re making sure our local schools in Langley and Bolinda are safe and comfortable – giving our students the best possible settings to learn and thrive in.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is well maintained and safe to provide the best possible environment for students to learn in.”
“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hard-working principals, teachers and staff, as well as students and families.”
Students in Langley and Bolinda will have better school environments to learn and succeed in, with the Andrews Labor Government funding key maintenance projects at schools right across the state.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that schools in Langley and Bolinda are among 94 schools sharing in $7.26 million of Planned Maintenance Program funding for vital improvements to classrooms and school grounds.
Bolinda Primary School has been allocated $20,000 and Langley Primary School has been allocated $80,000 for high priority maintenance tasks identified in the school's Specialist Assessment to address both school's roof issues.
The Planned Maintenance Program works address priority maintenance issues identified by the Labor Government’s ongoing evaluation of all school facilities – with work including fixing roofs and windows, repainting walls, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, pathways and stairs.
Almost $1 million of the funding will go towards maintenance to Shelter-in-Place buildings at 10 schools, which provide temporary accommodation to staff and students during a bushfire until emergency services arrive, or as a shelter of last resort.
The announcement brings the amount of Planned Maintenance funding the Labor Government has provided to schools in the 2021 school year to more than $47 million.
This fund makes sure all existing buildings at Victoria’s 1,500 government schools are safe, modern and properly maintained to ensure students and staff are comfortable and safe at school.
In the past seven years, the Labor Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating more than 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.
With 62 schools opening between 2019 and 2024, the Government is well ahead in its work to open 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every Victorian child has access to a great local school.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“We’re making sure our local schools in Langley and Bolinda are safe and comfortable – giving our students the best possible settings to learn and thrive in.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is well maintained and safe to provide the best possible environment for students to learn in.”
“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hard-working principals, teachers and staff, as well as students and families.”
Mental health is something that affects every Victorian. From teenagers to retirees, mums and dads, and workers in all trades and professions.
Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. All of us will know someone who has experienced mental illness or mental health issues.
We know many people do not seek treatment for their mental health issues, or do not receive the level of care they need.
This is why the Andrews Government has established a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – the first of its kind in Australia. It’s an opportunity to repair and build the modern, contemporary mental health system Victorians deserve.
Access the report here
The Commission will continue to involve people with lived experience of mental illness in its work and in developing the final report.
More information about ongoing engagement work, including the public hearings, will be published on the Commission’s website in coming months.
Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley (pictured far left) was interviewed by the Macedon Youth Council members Laura Crozier and Miranda Johnson-Jones as part of a forum held at Gisborne Secondary College to discuss the findings of the interim report and its impact on the young people of our region.
"For far too long, mental health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But as a government and as a state, we’re are serious about this issue – and it’s going to save lives.
This is an issue that has deeply impacted our community and I look forward to working with each of you into the future to ensure that we get the best outcomes for our community." Minister Foley
Annie Rowland also spoke about the work that Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group are doing in developing a community support model to better support people living with mental illness or suicidal ideation in the community. To keep informed about the fantastic work this group are doing visit their website here and follow them on Facebook.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SERVICE GUIDE
My Mental Health Contacts & Services Guide is updated annually and goes out to schools, local GP’s and community health services, and contains information about local services, support groups, specialist support, phone apps and more.
If you’d like a hard copies of the booklet, give my office a call on (03) 5428 2138
[simplebooklet src="https://simplebooklet.com/embed.php?wpKey=EDeXcfNZ8Cfv7J1d52CAIA&source=wordpress" width="553" height="1167"]
Mental health is something that affects every Victorian. From teenagers to retirees, mums and dads, and workers in all trades and professions.
Almost half of all Victorians will experience mental illness in their lifetime. All of us will know someone who has experienced mental illness or mental health issues.
We know many people do not seek treatment for their mental health issues, or do not receive the level of care they need.
This is why the Andrews Government has established a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – the first of its kind in Australia. It’s an opportunity to repair and build the modern, contemporary mental health system Victorians deserve.
Access the report here
The Commission will continue to involve people with lived experience of mental illness in its work and in developing the final report.
More information about ongoing engagement work, including the public hearings, will be published on the Commission’s website in coming months.
Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley (pictured far left) was interviewed by the Macedon Youth Council members Laura Crozier and Miranda Johnson-Jones as part of a forum held at Gisborne Secondary College to discuss the findings of the interim report and its impact on the young people of our region.
"For far too long, mental health hasn’t received the attention it deserves. But as a government and as a state, we’re are serious about this issue – and it’s going to save lives.
This is an issue that has deeply impacted our community and I look forward to working with each of you into the future to ensure that we get the best outcomes for our community." Minister Foley
Annie Rowland also spoke about the work that Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group are doing in developing a community support model to better support people living with mental illness or suicidal ideation in the community. To keep informed about the fantastic work this group are doing visit their website here and follow them on Facebook.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SERVICE GUIDE
My Mental Health Contacts & Services Guide is updated annually and goes out to schools, local GP’s and community health services, and contains information about local services, support groups, specialist support, phone apps and more.
If you’d like a hard copies of the booklet, give my office a call on (03) 5428 2138
[simplebooklet src="https://simplebooklet.com/embed.php?wpKey=EDeXcfNZ8Cfv7J1d52CAIA&source=wordpress" width="553" height="1167"]
The Toolern Vale community has been successful in their campaign for a speed reduction on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
Locals and residents from surrounding towns travelling through Toolern Vale will have a safer journey thanks to a speed limit change along on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The Andrews Labor Government has listened to locals and will now implement a speed limit reduction between Gisborne-Melton Road and O’Connell Avenue – from 80km/hour to 60km/hour.
The change will come into effect when new speed limit signs are installed in mid-2020, with the impact on travel time expected to be minimal.
Reducing the speed limit will improve safety for everyone driving through and living in Toolern Vale, especially pedestrians crossing the road to get around town.
The Toolern Vale community have advocated tirelessly to see this important change made, and I want to acknowledge everyone who signed the petition to make it happen.
For updates about the speed reduction visit Vic Roads
The Toolern Vale community has been successful in their campaign for a speed reduction on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
Locals and residents from surrounding towns travelling through Toolern Vale will have a safer journey thanks to a speed limit change along on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The Andrews Labor Government has listened to locals and will now implement a speed limit reduction between Gisborne-Melton Road and O’Connell Avenue – from 80km/hour to 60km/hour.
The change will come into effect when new speed limit signs are installed in mid-2020, with the impact on travel time expected to be minimal.
Reducing the speed limit will improve safety for everyone driving through and living in Toolern Vale, especially pedestrians crossing the road to get around town.
The Toolern Vale community have advocated tirelessly to see this important change made, and I want to acknowledge everyone who signed the petition to make it happen.
For updates about the speed reduction visit Vic Roads
Sign our petition and tell Prime Minister Scott Morrison that we need $10 million from the federal government to make the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct a reality.
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is an ambitious, community-initiated project that will deliver the indoor and outdoor sporting and recreational facilities our community needs now and into the future.
The facilities will be spread across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo Rd and Hamilton Road and support a wide range of local sporting and community organisations and clubs; and also attract regional, state and other elite level competitions.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to this project and that's why we have delivered $14.8 million towards making the Precinct a reality - $11.6 million in the 2019/20 Budget and $3.2 million as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council are leading the development of the Precinct and have a planned contribution of $10 million and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria. This project will only be delivered with all three levels of government paying their fair share.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council have announced that the design services tender for the precinct has been awarded to City Collective Pty. Ltd - which means we're one step closer to giving our growing clubs the facilities they need.
It's well past time this vital project was funded, so we need to take action together.
I encourage players, coaches, volunteers, parents and friends to write to the Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, to request the Federal Government contribute their fair share so we can get the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct underway.
If you're uncertain on how to write a letter to the Minister, you can download a handy template here - Letter Template - Minister for Sport.
Send your emails to senator.colbeck@aph.gov.au - and let's keep up the momentum until we see the funding secured!
The Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct will comprise of the following:
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub
The Regional Sports Hub concept is envisioned as a four-to-six court indoor stadium and community activity hub in New Gisborne and is set to feature:
Change rooms and amenities
Indoor sports courts
Storage
Show court
Spectator seating
Multipurpose rooms
Car parking
Sports administration area
Café and social area
Regional Sports Fields
In addition to a new oval complex in New Gisborne, including a regional synthetic surface ground and associated buildings the regional sports fields project will also include recreational facilities such as walking tracks, cycling, passive recreation spaces and playgrounds.
Natural grass sports field
Synthetic surface sports field
Activity area
Car park
Play space
BBQ area
Wet lands/detention basin
Gym equipment
Tennis courts
Cricket nets
Read more about the project developments here
Sign our petition and tell Prime Minister Scott Morrison that we need $10 million from the federal government to make the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct a reality.
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is an ambitious, community-initiated project that will deliver the indoor and outdoor sporting and recreational facilities our community needs now and into the future.
The facilities will be spread across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo Rd and Hamilton Road and support a wide range of local sporting and community organisations and clubs; and also attract regional, state and other elite level competitions.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to this project and that's why we have delivered $14.8 million towards making the Precinct a reality - $11.6 million in the 2019/20 Budget and $3.2 million as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council are leading the development of the Precinct and have a planned contribution of $10 million and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria. This project will only be delivered with all three levels of government paying their fair share.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council have announced that the design services tender for the precinct has been awarded to City Collective Pty. Ltd - which means we're one step closer to giving our growing clubs the facilities they need.
It's well past time this vital project was funded, so we need to take action together.
I encourage players, coaches, volunteers, parents and friends to write to the Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, to request the Federal Government contribute their fair share so we can get the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct underway.
If you're uncertain on how to write a letter to the Minister, you can download a handy template here - Letter Template - Minister for Sport.
Send your emails to senator.colbeck@aph.gov.au - and let's keep up the momentum until we see the funding secured!
The Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct will comprise of the following:
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub
The Regional Sports Hub concept is envisioned as a four-to-six court indoor stadium and community activity hub in New Gisborne and is set to feature:
Change rooms and amenities
Indoor sports courts
Storage
Show court
Spectator seating
Multipurpose rooms
Car parking
Sports administration area
Café and social area
Regional Sports Fields
In addition to a new oval complex in New Gisborne, including a regional synthetic surface ground and associated buildings the regional sports fields project will also include recreational facilities such as walking tracks, cycling, passive recreation spaces and playgrounds.
Natural grass sports field
Synthetic surface sports field
Activity area
Car park
Play space
BBQ area
Wet lands/detention basin
Gym equipment
Tennis courts
Cricket nets
Read more about the project developments here
Funding to upgrade the intersection at Saunders and Station roads has been delivered and works have begun.
Funding to upgrade the intersection at Saunders and Station roads has been delivered and works have begun.