January 20, 2016

Expert advice to guide protection of macedon ranges

The Terms of Reference have been released for the recently announced Ministerial Advisory Committee that will provide expert advice on how to best protect the iconic Macedon Ranges region from inappropriate development, boost local jobs and preserve the area’s unique environmental values and character.

The Terms of Reference have been released following the Macedon Ranges Community Forum in November where Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and local member Mary Anne-Thomas met with stakeholders and the local community to discuss protection of the Macedon Ranges and the role and function of the Advisory Committee.

The meeting was an opportunity for the Minister to update the local community on the Government’s intention to deliver on its election commitment to legislate for the protection of the Macedon Ranges.

Attendees heard that the Committee will help authorities determine the best policy settings to manage the historic region, focusing on ways to protect the area’s natural beauty, boost job growth and preserve the locally significant environmental and rural values.

Member for Macedon Mary Anne-Thomas said she was pleased to be getting on with the government’s election commitment to protect the region, balancing the need to protect the unique values of the area while also building for a strong future.

The Terms of Reference will help the committee advise the Minister on the most appropriate legislative way to protect the "unique natural attributes, high environmental values and distinctive rural character and townships" of the Macedon Ranges.

The Terms of Reference ensure there will be a period of public consultation and that all public submissions are considered by the committee in its final report due The Macedon Ranges are a vital asset to the State due to their importance as a water resource for urban and local supply, their iconic natural flora and fauna and the importance of the area to locals and visitors for tourism and leisure activities, including the iconic Hanging Rock. Its protection will ensure that the landscape, tourism and recreation areas and water resources will all be maintained.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
"The government is delivering on our promise to protect the environmental and rural values of the iconic Macedon Ranges while promoting local jobs that will support healthy local communities. This Committee, guided by the Terms of reference, will provide us with the expert advice we need to deliver meaningful and lasting legislation."

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary Anne-Thomas
"We’re working with the local community to protect what we love about the region while supporting growth and jobs. Together we can ensure our iconic region’s unique natural attributes and character is protected for generations to come."

"This is a strong step forward and I encourage locals and concerned groups to get involved when the Advisory Committee calls for public submissions during the first half of this year".

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