The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a crucial next step in the permanent protection of the iconic Macedon Ranges.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, was at Blackhill Reserve, near the beautiful town of Kyneton today to officially announce the final Statement of Planning Policy – a 50-year vision and strategy which provides unprecedented protection against inappropriate development in the Macedon Ranges.
The Macedon Ranges Shire has already been declared as Distinctive Areas and Landscapes under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to protect the region from over development and urban sprawl.
The final Statement of Planning Policy specifies protected settlement boundaries for the townships of Kyneton, Lancefield, Riddell’s Creek and Woodend that require parliamentary approval to change.
There is more work required to finalise the settlement boundaries for the townships of Gisborne and Romsey.
This important next step has been made in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Traditional Owner Groups of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woiwurrung.
It also follows extensive consultation with the local community and delivers on the Labor Government’s election commitment to protect the Macedon Ranges region for current and future generations.
The Government will now work closely with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Traditional Owners and responsible public entities to implement the 50-year vision and strategy to protect and conserve the iconic and historic Macedon Ranges.
To read the final Statement, visit: planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes.
For more information on the Macedon Ranges Distinctive Area and Landscape declaration visit: engage.vic.gov.au/macedon-ranges-localised-planning-statement.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“The Macedon Ranges is beautiful and unique – and now has some of the strongest planning protections in place to make sure it stays that way.”
“We’re protecting the Macedon Ranges’ treasured natural landscapes while encouraging development in the appropriate areas to ensure townships grow sustainably.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“I’m delighted our beautiful and environmentally sensitive region is getting the protections it deserves and that we have delivered on our commitment to the people of the Macedon Ranges.”
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a crucial next step in the permanent protection of the iconic Macedon Ranges.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, was at Blackhill Reserve, near the beautiful town of Kyneton today to officially announce the final Statement of Planning Policy – a 50-year vision and strategy which provides unprecedented protection against inappropriate development in the Macedon Ranges.
The Macedon Ranges Shire has already been declared as Distinctive Areas and Landscapes under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to protect the region from over development and urban sprawl.
The final Statement of Planning Policy specifies protected settlement boundaries for the townships of Kyneton, Lancefield, Riddell’s Creek and Woodend that require parliamentary approval to change.
There is more work required to finalise the settlement boundaries for the townships of Gisborne and Romsey.
This important next step has been made in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Traditional Owner Groups of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woiwurrung.
It also follows extensive consultation with the local community and delivers on the Labor Government’s election commitment to protect the Macedon Ranges region for current and future generations.
The Government will now work closely with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Traditional Owners and responsible public entities to implement the 50-year vision and strategy to protect and conserve the iconic and historic Macedon Ranges.
To read the final Statement, visit: planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes.
For more information on the Macedon Ranges Distinctive Area and Landscape declaration visit: engage.vic.gov.au/macedon-ranges-localised-planning-statement.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“The Macedon Ranges is beautiful and unique – and now has some of the strongest planning protections in place to make sure it stays that way.”
“We’re protecting the Macedon Ranges’ treasured natural landscapes while encouraging development in the appropriate areas to ensure townships grow sustainably.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“I’m delighted our beautiful and environmentally sensitive region is getting the protections it deserves and that we have delivered on our commitment to the people of the Macedon Ranges.”
The Andrews Labor Government has established Australia’s first social behaviour change campaign to promote better understanding and inclusion of autistic people.
Last week Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan launched the new $2.8 million public education campaign Change Your Reactions with Amaze CEO Fiona Sharkie.
Change Your Reactions encourages Victorians to recognise some of the challenges that autistic people face and to understand the impacts of community actions and reactions.
It focuses on helping Victorians to be more open to learning about autism and how to be supportive.
Amaze worked with autistic Victorians and their families on the campaign which includes a mix of advertising across TV and radio, digital and social media and most importantly features actors with autism.
A recent Amaze survey shows that despite widespread awareness of autism, only 29 per cent of people said they know how to support an autistic person.
The campaign is part of the Labor Government’s Victorian Autism Plan, released last year. The plan sets out actions to provide autistic Victorians greater opportunities for choice and community participation, backed by $7.1 million in funding.
Amaze is a peak body for autistic Victorians and their families and provides advocacy, services and supports.
To find out more visit www.changeyourreactions.com
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“A lack of community understanding is one of the main barriers that can lead to autistic Victorians missing out on opportunities in life.”
“We want Victorians to know some of the ways autism can impact people, and the helpful ways in which they can respond, to build greater understanding and inclusion.”
Quotes attributable to Amaze CEO Fiona Sharkie
“Many autistic people have reported being treated harshly and judged unfairly by the public in the way they are described and how people react to them.”
“Our aim is for a better understanding of how autistic people experience autism so others are less judgemental. It’s about being curious, not critical.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“As nearly all Australians (98%) have heard of autism, and 86% of people have contact with an autistic person. One in five people has an autistic friend, and one in four has an autistic relative; we can use Change Your Reactions.”
“Change Your Reactions will assist each one of us, to be supportive of our friends, family and community members, making our towns more inclusive.”
The Andrews Labor Government has established Australia’s first social behaviour change campaign to promote better understanding and inclusion of autistic people.
Last week Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan launched the new $2.8 million public education campaign Change Your Reactions with Amaze CEO Fiona Sharkie.
Change Your Reactions encourages Victorians to recognise some of the challenges that autistic people face and to understand the impacts of community actions and reactions.
It focuses on helping Victorians to be more open to learning about autism and how to be supportive.
Amaze worked with autistic Victorians and their families on the campaign which includes a mix of advertising across TV and radio, digital and social media and most importantly features actors with autism.
A recent Amaze survey shows that despite widespread awareness of autism, only 29 per cent of people said they know how to support an autistic person.
The campaign is part of the Labor Government’s Victorian Autism Plan, released last year. The plan sets out actions to provide autistic Victorians greater opportunities for choice and community participation, backed by $7.1 million in funding.
Amaze is a peak body for autistic Victorians and their families and provides advocacy, services and supports.
To find out more visit www.changeyourreactions.com
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“A lack of community understanding is one of the main barriers that can lead to autistic Victorians missing out on opportunities in life.”
“We want Victorians to know some of the ways autism can impact people, and the helpful ways in which they can respond, to build greater understanding and inclusion.”
Quotes attributable to Amaze CEO Fiona Sharkie
“Many autistic people have reported being treated harshly and judged unfairly by the public in the way they are described and how people react to them.”
“Our aim is for a better understanding of how autistic people experience autism so others are less judgemental. It’s about being curious, not critical.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“As nearly all Australians (98%) have heard of autism, and 86% of people have contact with an autistic person. One in five people has an autistic friend, and one in four has an autistic relative; we can use Change Your Reactions.”
“Change Your Reactions will assist each one of us, to be supportive of our friends, family and community members, making our towns more inclusive.”
Victoria will have a container deposit scheme and households will get a new fourth bin, as part of a plan to reduce waste going to landfill by 80 per cent in ten years with a massive overhaul of the state’s waste and recycling system by the Andrews Labor Government.
With widespread disruption to global recycling markets, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the first in a suite of new policies under the Recycling Victoria package, designed to position Victoria as a leader in reusing, reducing and recycling waste.
The $129 million of initiatives announced today to reform kerbside recycling includes the roll out of four colour-coded bins to homes across the state to better sort waste, recyclables and organics:
glass recycling – purple lid
food and garden organics – green lid
plastic, metal and paper recycling – yellow lid
household waste – red lid
By collecting glass separately, we can make sure more of it is effectively recycled – with jars and bottles transformed multiple times into multiple different products, including new roads and footpaths.
Separate glass collection will also make recovery of other recyclables – like plastic, metal and paper – simpler, with the food and organic bin significantly reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.
The roll-out of the new bins will start next year and happen gradually – informed by the needs of local communities and existing council contracts. There will also be special arrangements for remote regional households and people in apartments, to ensure everyone gets access to the new four-bin system.
To complement this new household recycling system, the Labor Government will also introduce a container deposit scheme – reducing litter and waste going into landfill, and creating new Victorian jobs.
The Labor Government will design and deliver the scheme in close consultation with councils and industry so it can begin by 2023.
We will also make waste collection an essential service – ensuring a basic standard of service for Victorians, wherever they live – and establish a new dedicated authority to better govern our recycling system and hold waste service providers to account.
An education and behaviour change campaign will support the roll-out of the initiatives. It will target households, businesses, councils, community groups and charities – helping them transition to the new system.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This transformation will position Victoria as a national leader in recycling. Most importantly, it will deliver a system that Victorians can actually rely on.”
“This represents a holistic approach to reducing, reusing and recycling our state’s waste. That’s good news for Victoria’s environment and good news for Victorian jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We know Victorians want to be able to do more to recycle household waste – this new system will make it easier for all of us to do our bit.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“The Macedon Ranges Shire is leading the way with the four bin collection and I’m very pleased this program will be rolled out across the state. Victorians want to do the right thing and with some small changes in behaviour we can minimise waste and care for our environment.”
Victoria will have a container deposit scheme and households will get a new fourth bin, as part of a plan to reduce waste going to landfill by 80 per cent in ten years with a massive overhaul of the state’s waste and recycling system by the Andrews Labor Government.
With widespread disruption to global recycling markets, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the first in a suite of new policies under the Recycling Victoria package, designed to position Victoria as a leader in reusing, reducing and recycling waste.
The $129 million of initiatives announced today to reform kerbside recycling includes the roll out of four colour-coded bins to homes across the state to better sort waste, recyclables and organics:
glass recycling – purple lid
food and garden organics – green lid
plastic, metal and paper recycling – yellow lid
household waste – red lid
By collecting glass separately, we can make sure more of it is effectively recycled – with jars and bottles transformed multiple times into multiple different products, including new roads and footpaths.
Separate glass collection will also make recovery of other recyclables – like plastic, metal and paper – simpler, with the food and organic bin significantly reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.
The roll-out of the new bins will start next year and happen gradually – informed by the needs of local communities and existing council contracts. There will also be special arrangements for remote regional households and people in apartments, to ensure everyone gets access to the new four-bin system.
To complement this new household recycling system, the Labor Government will also introduce a container deposit scheme – reducing litter and waste going into landfill, and creating new Victorian jobs.
The Labor Government will design and deliver the scheme in close consultation with councils and industry so it can begin by 2023.
We will also make waste collection an essential service – ensuring a basic standard of service for Victorians, wherever they live – and establish a new dedicated authority to better govern our recycling system and hold waste service providers to account.
An education and behaviour change campaign will support the roll-out of the initiatives. It will target households, businesses, councils, community groups and charities – helping them transition to the new system.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This transformation will position Victoria as a national leader in recycling. Most importantly, it will deliver a system that Victorians can actually rely on.”
“This represents a holistic approach to reducing, reusing and recycling our state’s waste. That’s good news for Victoria’s environment and good news for Victorian jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We know Victorians want to be able to do more to recycle household waste – this new system will make it easier for all of us to do our bit.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“The Macedon Ranges Shire is leading the way with the four bin collection and I’m very pleased this program will be rolled out across the state. Victorians want to do the right thing and with some small changes in behaviour we can minimise waste and care for our environment.”
Carers living in the Macedon Ranges will have more opportunities to be healthy, active and well thanks to a $1 million package of grants from the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced that PS My Family Matters received a grant of $13,500 to improve the health and wellbeing of carers in the Macedon Ranges.
The grant will help PS My Family Matters to run their peer social support groups, Coffe4Carers and Pizza4Carers, which enable carers to meet and socialise with other carers. The grant will also support the employment of a facilitator and coordinator.
Across the state 94 community organisations and groups are receiving grants to support carers to be physically and mentally healthy, socially active and better connected with other carers, support programs and resources.
The new Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program will focus on support for carers in regional areas, as well as under-recognised groups such as young carers.
More than 736,600 Victorian carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them. It can be difficult for carers to access the services they need to look after themselves and make sure they’re supported in their care role.
The Labor Government is investing almost $50 million to help carers with extra respite, transport concessions and grants to support local initiatives.
Supporting the health and wellbeing of carers is a key priority of the Victorian carer strategy 2018–22 – the first whole-of-government strategy recognising carers.
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“Often the best source of information and support for carers is other carers. These grants will give them greater emotional support and connect them with other people dealing with the same challenges.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“PS My Family Matters does vital work for carers in our community, and this funding will help make sure carers in the Macedon Ranges get the support they need and have asked for.”
Quote attributable to PS My Family Matters President, Tamara Wilson
“This grant is invaluable to helping us offer a service in the Macedon Ranges to the numerous carers that our organisation has come into contact with.”
Carers living in the Macedon Ranges will have more opportunities to be healthy, active and well thanks to a $1 million package of grants from the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced that PS My Family Matters received a grant of $13,500 to improve the health and wellbeing of carers in the Macedon Ranges.
The grant will help PS My Family Matters to run their peer social support groups, Coffe4Carers and Pizza4Carers, which enable carers to meet and socialise with other carers. The grant will also support the employment of a facilitator and coordinator.
Across the state 94 community organisations and groups are receiving grants to support carers to be physically and mentally healthy, socially active and better connected with other carers, support programs and resources.
The new Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program will focus on support for carers in regional areas, as well as under-recognised groups such as young carers.
More than 736,600 Victorian carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them. It can be difficult for carers to access the services they need to look after themselves and make sure they’re supported in their care role.
The Labor Government is investing almost $50 million to help carers with extra respite, transport concessions and grants to support local initiatives.
Supporting the health and wellbeing of carers is a key priority of the Victorian carer strategy 2018–22 – the first whole-of-government strategy recognising carers.
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“Often the best source of information and support for carers is other carers. These grants will give them greater emotional support and connect them with other people dealing with the same challenges.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“PS My Family Matters does vital work for carers in our community, and this funding will help make sure carers in the Macedon Ranges get the support they need and have asked for.”
Quote attributable to PS My Family Matters President, Tamara Wilson
“This grant is invaluable to helping us offer a service in the Macedon Ranges to the numerous carers that our organisation has come into contact with.”
Do you consider yourself a leader?
Are you passionate about the issues facing young people today?
Would you like to know how government works and decisions get made?
If this is you, please read on!
Last year I was thrilled to convene the inaugural Youth Council with a group of young dynamic people who love where they live and have visions for its future!
It was my privilege to work with a vibrant and diverse Council and I'm excited to be running the program again in 2020.
The aims of the Youth Council are to provide a platform for the perspectives and priorities of young people across Macedon, to empower young people to take action, show leadership and learn about government and its processes.
I want to hear from young people across the Macedon electorate about what matters to you.
Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Who is it for?
The Youth Council is for passionate and community-minded young people from across the Macedon electorate.
Applicants should be between the ages of 16 – 22 inclusive and be committed to attending all sessions.
What is the commitment?
The Youth Council will meet five times over a year at various locations including at the Victorian Parliament.
Why apply for the Youth Council?
The Youth Council will bring together young people who are interested in taking a leadership role within our community.
This unique program will provide participants with the opportunity to build their understanding of government and how decisions get made and the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament.
Apply for the Youth Council below (it only takes a few minutes)
Applications close at midnight Sunday March 29
(function() { var qs,js,q,s,d=document, gi=d.getElementById, ce=d.createElement, gt=d.getElementsByTagName, id="typef_orm", b="https://embed.typeform.com/"; if(!gi.call(d,id)) { js=ce.call(d,"script"); js.id=id; js.src=b+"embed.js"; q=gt.call(d,"script")[0]; q.parentNode.insertBefore(js,q) } })()
powered by Typeform
For more information or any other questions, email bella.manson@parliament.vic.gov.au
Do you consider yourself a leader?
Are you passionate about the issues facing young people today?
Would you like to know how government works and decisions get made?
If this is you, please read on!
Last year I was thrilled to convene the inaugural Youth Council with a group of young dynamic people who love where they live and have visions for its future!
It was my privilege to work with a vibrant and diverse Council and I'm excited to be running the program again in 2020.
The aims of the Youth Council are to provide a platform for the perspectives and priorities of young people across Macedon, to empower young people to take action, show leadership and learn about government and its processes.
I want to hear from young people across the Macedon electorate about what matters to you.
Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Who is it for?
The Youth Council is for passionate and community-minded young people from across the Macedon electorate.
Applicants should be between the ages of 16 – 22 inclusive and be committed to attending all sessions.
What is the commitment?
The Youth Council will meet five times over a year at various locations including at the Victorian Parliament.
Why apply for the Youth Council?
The Youth Council will bring together young people who are interested in taking a leadership role within our community.
This unique program will provide participants with the opportunity to build their understanding of government and how decisions get made and the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament.
Apply for the Youth Council below (it only takes a few minutes)
Applications close at midnight Sunday March 29
(function() { var qs,js,q,s,d=document, gi=d.getElementById, ce=d.createElement, gt=d.getElementsByTagName, id="typef_orm", b="https://embed.typeform.com/"; if(!gi.call(d,id)) { js=ce.call(d,"script"); js.id=id; js.src=b+"embed.js"; q=gt.call(d,"script")[0]; q.parentNode.insertBefore(js,q) } })()
powered by Typeform
For more information or any other questions, email bella.manson@parliament.vic.gov.au
The Toolern Vale community is calling for a speed reduction on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The road runs through the centre of the town with the school, general store and homes one on side, and the recreation reserve, an important community meeting place on the opposite side. The current speed limit of 80kms per hour does not allow families to cross the road from one side of the township to the other safely.
Sign the petition to say that our community wants a speed reduction and road treatment to make it safe for pedestrians to cross Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd.
The Toolern Vale community is calling for a speed reduction on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The road runs through the centre of the town with the school, general store and homes one on side, and the recreation reserve, an important community meeting place on the opposite side. The current speed limit of 80kms per hour does not allow families to cross the road from one side of the township to the other safely.
Sign the petition to say that our community wants a speed reduction and road treatment to make it safe for pedestrians to cross Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd.
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is an ambitious, community-initiated project that will deliver the indoor and outdoor sporting and recreational facilities our kids need now and into the future.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to this project and that's why we have delivered $11.6 million towards making the Precinct a reality.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council are leading the development of the Precinct and have a planned contribution of $10 million.
This project will only be delivered with all three levels of government paying their fair share.
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 kids need now and into the future.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to this project and that's why we have delivered $11.6 million towards making the Precinct a reality.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council are leading the development of the Precinct and have a planned contribution of $10 million.
This project will only be delivered with all three levels of government paying their fair share.
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.
Join me in calling for action at the Barry Street and Main Street intersection.
Join me in calling for action at the Barry Street and Main Street intersection.