ShireLife - Cat curfew starts 1 July - Macedon Ranges Shire Council
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ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter Issue 35 Winter 2020
Register online for
kindergarten
Page 2
Meet our new bin mascot
Cat Page 4
curfew
Active Living Census:
what you told us
starts 1 July
Pages 6–7
Get COVID-19
Page 3 help and support
Page 5
What’s new in
kindergarten
Works are underway at Swinburne Avenue
A $735,000 upgrade has begun at Swinburne Avenue
Children’s Centre with support from the Victorian
Government’s Children’s Facilities Capital Grant
($500,000) and Council’s contribution of $235,000.
Register online The upgrade will deliver new children’s bathrooms for
both kindergarten rooms, a shared office, additional
storage and a meeting room for use by parents,
for a chance to win staff and visiting services. Works are expected to be
completed in July 2020.
Register online for three or four year old New IT equipment has been received
kindergarten by 30 June and you’ll go in the draw across all sites
to win two terms of Learn to Swim lessons for your
child! Eight Council kindergartens have shared in $11,675
to purchase new ipads and televisions to help deliver
To register, upload proof of your child’s age and submit their programs. A further $20,875 of equipment grants
payment online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego is helping to support children with additional needs.
For more information about our kindergartens: These improvements are supported by the Victorian
mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego Government.
Page 2 ShireLife Kindergarten, cats and dogs
Where to
walk your dog
All dogs within the shire must now be exercised on
leash unless in designated off-leash areas.
When out and about with your dog, be on the lookout
for new signage currently being installed throughout
the shire. Some footpaths will also be stencilled,
further indicating dog on-leash requirements.
In the absence of any signage, an area should always
be assumed as ‘on-leash’.
What’s new with For more details on dog on and off-leash
requirements: mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
the cat curfew?
5422 0333.
From Wednesday 1 July 2020, all cats must be Dog off-leash Dog off-leash Dog off-leash
area beyond area when events area outside of
confined to their property from sunset to sunrise not in progress
and will be prohibited from our most sensitive this point school hours
environmental areas. Now is a good time to
prepare for these new requirements.
Cats can be confined to your property in one or more
of the following ways:
• Indoors mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
• Cat run or specially-designed enclosure
Dog off- Dogs on leash Dogs on leash
• Enclosing part of a property, e.g. a verandah
leash area beyond this within 5m of
• Cat-proof fencing (grassed areas) point playground
• In a shed (well-ventilated/insulated).
We recognise that it’s easier to train kittens for
confinement, however all cats can be trained to come
home at night, usually by adjusting their feed times.
Why do I need to confine my cat? mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
When cats are outdoors they can attack wildlife, get Dogs off leash
hit by cars, be injured or injure other cats, and spread Please clean Do not
allowed along
diseases. They can also spray, howl, and annoy riverwalk from up after your leave dogs
neighbours and their pets, especially during mating 7.30am–10am only dog unattended
season.
Building cat enclosures and making behavioural
adjustments for your cat does take time, therefore it is
important for cat owners to act now before the curfew
begins.
mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
For more details on responsible cat ownership
including helpful advice and resources about
confining cats: mrsc.vic.gov.au/cats
Page 3
Have you seen our new bin mascot? Over the past months, it’s been great to see so many residents in the community embracing isolation bin outings by dressing up and posting their trips to the kerb on social media. Also getting into the community spirit is our new bin mascot. The mascot is looking forward to visiting schools, community groups and workplaces later this year to share with the community, good recycling habits and waste minimisation techniques. The bin mascot will have four ‘hats’ representing general (red), recycled (yellow), green (green) and glass (purple) waste. We are hoping to find a name for the bin mascot that will fit with its personality and purpose, so stay tuned in the coming months for our bin mascot naming competition! Seeking advice about grazing? The Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock project aims to promote the benefits of regenerative agriculture through individual advice to farmers, workshops, speaker nights and discussion groups. The project assists landholders with grazing, no matter the property size and provides them with tips to improve pasture recovery, biodiversity, soil health and their ability to adapt to our changing climate. It offers practical solutions to improve grazing and helps farmers understand how to improve stock health, soil health and productivity. To discuss how you can improve your land: environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au mrsc.vic.gov.au/sustainable-farming This project is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Page 4 ShireLife Environment and #InThisTogether
#InThisTogether
The #InThisTogether campaign is our way of
helping support the wellbeing of the community
at this challenging time while we deal with the
coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ve also found innovative ways to deliver services
and programs while Council-run centres are closed.
Keep an eye out for #InThisTogether across our social
media channels and on our website.
Join the conversation by using #InThisTogether on
social media and help us spread the positive stories of
residents, groups and businesses doing great things.
To find out more: mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Support for residents and businesses
Support packages are on offer to assist residents,
businesses and community groups that are feeling the
impact of the pandemic.
The financial support measures include:
✓ debt collection activities on 2019/20 unpaid rates
and outstanding amounts ceased on 17 March and
will remain ceased until 30 September 2020
✓ interest not being charged for overdue rates or other
payments through to 30 September 2020
✓ penalties for late payment of 2020/21 animal
registrations due 10 April 2020 not being applied
until 30 September 2020. The ROC is
Residents, businesses, staff and sporting clubs can open for business
also: The shire-wide Recovery Operations Centre (ROC)
✓ improve cash flow by requesting earlier payment is a centralised service where you can ask for
than Council’s 30-day standard terms—email your support, request information, offer assistance
request to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or put forward recovery ideas and suggestions
relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
✓ request a waiver of lease fees/rents—available for
groups that hold facility leases with Council and You can contact the centre Monday to Friday,
where the pandemic has impacted their sporting, 8.30am to 5pm: 5422 0237 or
community and hospitality venue operations. recovery@mrsc.vic.gov.au
The pandemic has had a far-reaching impact, and both The ROC has been established as part of
Councillors and staff are committed to supporting the our ongoing #InThisTogether community and
community through this time of uncertainty. business support campaign.
Financial hardship
There are a range of options available for those facing
financial hardship, and this includes the ability to
enable flexible payments and defer payments.
To view our Financial Hardship Policy:
mrsc.vic.gov.au/financial-hardship
Page 5
Active Living Census
The Active Living Census was one of the biggest surveys conducted in the Macedon
Ranges Shire with 3,691 people taking part. This represents more than eight per cent of
residents aged from three years.
The survey was conducted as part of the Victorian Government-funded Healthy Heart of Victoria
initiative aimed at improving health outcomes across the Loddon-Campaspe region.
The 2019 Active Living Census was based on a similar census previously conducted by the City
of Greater Bendigo. A paper survey was mailed to all households in the Loddon-Campaspe
region, and residents were encouraged to complete the survey online if possible.
What are the main findings?
How active are we? Barriers to being more active
• About 2 in 5 adults (62 per cent) do not
meet physical activity guidelines.
• Over half (53 per cent) of all residents Cost
want to be more active more often. 22.1%
Being time poor is the most common barrier Personal
to being more active in our shire. reasons Time poor Poor
However, barriers to being more active
vary within our community. For females,
25.7% 55.9% health/
disability
cost, safety, personal reasons and lack of 19.7%
social support are more commonly reported
barriers to being more active than for males.
16.7% Safety
For seniors aged 70 years and older, having 15.7%
poor health or a disability was the main Lack of
reason they were not as active as they would social support
like. This was also the case for people who
need assistance with daily activities.
What are the most popular activities in our shire?
• Walking is the most popular form of physical activity in the Macedon Ranges Shire.
• Males and females of all ages walk for exercise.
Percentage of residents participating once or more a year.
21.1%
9%
6.7% 6.5% 6.1% 5% 4.3% 3.7% 3.3% 2.6%
Walking Swimming Bushwalking/ Fitness/gym Active play Cycling for Jogging/ Indoor AFL Tennis
hiking recreation running group football
or transport fitness
Page 6 ShireLife Active Living Census
What did the survey results say about our public facilities and spaces?
The top five suggested improvements that could be ✓ safety measures or restrictions, including designated
made to our public facilities and spaces to improve dog on and off-leash areas (8 per cent).
active living were:
The top five most commonly-accessed facilities and
✓ upgrades to footpaths and walking tracks (36 per spaces were:
cent)
✓ footpaths (89 per cent)
✓ exercise equipment or facilities (including sporting
facilities) (17 per cent) ✓ parks (83 per cent)
✓ bicycle tracks and skate facilities (17 per cent) ✓ off-road walking and cycling tracks (72 per cent)
✓ toilets or change rooms (11 per cent) ✓ sporting grounds, ovals and clubrooms (53 per cent)
✓ swimming pools/splash parks (51 per cent).
How do we compare to the region?
The Active Living Census showed that many measures of health and wellbeing are similar or slightly better in the
Macedon Ranges Shire, when compared to the Loddon Campaspe region. However there is a lot we can do to
improve our health and wellbeing: only 14 per cent of adults meet guidelines for vegetable consumption and 61
per cent are overweight or obese.
11.3% 14%
Sugary
Fruit intake–
drinks
meets
daily
guidelines
intake
Macedon Ranges Region
Macedon Ranges Region
General
Vegetable health– 16.2% 19%
intake–meets rated poor
guidelines or fair
Macedon Region Macedon Ranges Region
Ranges
General wellbeing–rated low Overweight and obesity
Macedon
5.7% 16.7% Macedon
Ranges 36.5% 24.5%
Ranges
Region 7.1% 18.9%
Region 35.6% 26.9%
Low life Not feeling valued
satisfaction Overweight Obese
What next?
The newly-released Macedon Ranges Shire Selected Findings Report, will help inform future programs and
infrastructure. We are committed to helping create a community where people of all ages and abilities can achieve
optimal health and wellbeing. To read the report: mrsc.vic.gov.au
Page 7
Your Councillors
Cr Natasha Cr Roger
Gayfer Jukes
East Ward West Ward
I write this in early April, during the unprecedented During these uncertain times, our community has
period of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am heartened shown its resilience and aptitude for getting on
to see our communities pulling together—staying with the job no matter the circumstances. We’ve
home where possible, looking out for each other, adapted to physical distancing, isolation and
and rallying behind our essential workers. I have quarantining, and still managed to keep in touch
no doubt that by the time you read this, we will with our family, friends and neighbourhood.
still be working together, and I thank you for your
While Council was quick to react to the pandemic by
ongoing efforts.
closing its offices and facilities—such as the aquatic
There are good news stories to bolster us at this time. centres, visitor information centres and Hanging
The new climbing forest at Romsey Ecotherapy Park is Rock—to minimise large public gatherings, most of
open and looks amazing. This wonderful park will be our services are available online or over the phone.
an important drawcard for the Macedon Ranges once
A new campaign #InthisTogether was launched to
restrictions for locals and visitors are lifted.
provide financial support to residents and businesses.
There has also been progress on measures supporting The supports include measures such as holds on
responsible pet owners. Thank you to people now interest charges on overdue rates, debt collection on
walking their dogs on a leash in public places, except hold until 30 September, and waiving of Council’s 30
in prohibited or designated off-leash areas. In the east day standard payment terms to help with business
ward there are off-leash areas in Clarkefield, Darraweit cashflow.
Guim, Lancefield, Riddells Creek and Romsey. For
The campaign also highlights and supports innovative
details, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs
ways that Council can deliver programs to the
From Wednesday 1 July our cat curfew begins, and community. Initiatives such as the fitness staff sharing
all cats must be contained to their property between videos to encourage exercise, and workshops such
sunrise and sunset. Every day I bring my own cat as Managing Pastures in a Changing Climate being
inside well before dark, keeping her safe from cars and successfully delivered online.
other animals, and protecting our precious wildlife.
So business continues as normal, although in a
Please stay connected during this period—we’re all different format to what we’ve been used to. Council
in this together and there is support. Council remains still provides services, still consults and still wants you
available by phone or email, and I always welcome to have your say.
phone calls or emails.
Page 8 ShireLife Your Councillors
Cr Helen Budget 2020/21
Radnedge Each year, Council reviews its operations and
South Ward determines the required “base” budget for the
following year to deliver its existing services.
Our shire contains many different ecosystems Internal business cases are prepared for any new
that are characterised by different types of operating requirements/projects and for the proposed
plants and animals. Each ecosystem is classified capital works program. A thorough evaluation of
according to ecological vegetation classes these new projects and requirements is undertaken
(EVCs). Of the 33 EVCs in the Macedon Ranges, and as part of this process, a series of budget
13 are ‘endangered’, nine are ‘vulnerable’, four workshops is undertaken with Councillors. As the
are ‘depleted’ and six are of ‘least concern’ and amount of funding is limited, challenging decisions
the status of one is undetermined. have to be made each year in regard to what is
included in the draft budget. Although the financial
The Statement of Planning Policy for the Macedon impact of COVID-19 is still uncertain, it is a factor
Ranges confirms the importance of our natural which is being considered.
environment.
While normally the draft budget is made available
On page two In the Hon. Richard Wynne MP’s for public comment in late April and the final budget
foreword, the first paragraph reads: is adopted by 30 June, the Minister for Local
“The Macedon Ranges with its iconic scenery, wildlife Government has approved a date extension to
and rich cultural heritage is one of the most beautiful 31 August 2020 for when Victorian councils must
and environmentally sensitive areas in Victoria.” adopt their final budgets. This has allowed Council
more time to consider its budget. The draft budget,
Page 21, paragraph two reads: “In decision along with the Council Plan and Strategic Resource
making the highest priority is given to the Plan, will be presented at an Ordinary Council
significant landscapes that define the declared meeting in coming months.
area as represented in the Landscape domain, the
Biodiversity and environment domain, and the Water For further updates, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au
catchments and supply domain.”
The binding objectives of these domains are:
Landscape: “To ensure the declared area’s natural
and cultural landscapes are conserved and
enhanced.”
Biodiversity and environmental values: “To ensure the
significant biodiversity, ecological and environmental
values of the declared area are conserved and
enhanced.”
Water catchments and supply: “To prioritise the
conservation and use of the declared area’s water
catchments to ensure a sustainable local, regional
and state water supply, and healthy environment.”
Our environment, our future.
Page 9
Major projects
Woodend Kindergarten
playground completed
Woodend Kindergarten playground upgrades have
recently been completed. The upgrades include
nature-based play elements, climbing equipment,
yarning circle, and addresses accessibility and
drainage issues. They will provide a contemporary
and inclusive area where the children can explore,
investigate and create.
The kindergarten upgrades were funded by Council’s
Buildings Construction Program 2018/19 ($165,934), the
Victorian Government’s Pick my Project Grant ($180,455)
and Children’s Facilities Capital Program ($152,000), and
by the Woodend Kindergarten Incorporation ($14,955).
Kyneton Library entrance
The entrance of Kyneton Library has been remodelled
so that it faces the playground and the area leading to
the entrance has been landscaped which makes the
library more welcoming and easier to find. The less-
visible components of the upgrade include roof works,
replacement of the heating and cooling system, and
improvements to the staff areas.
We appreciate the support of Goldfields Libraries staff,
who worked with us to stage delivery of this project to
minimise disruption to services.
This project was funded by a Victorian Government grant
of $150,000 and an allocation of funds from Council’s
2018/19 Budget.
Bald Hill Reserve Malmsbury Common
Council in partnership with the Friends of Bald
Hill Reserve recently completed a new entrance
Reserve
to Bald Hill Reserve on Mt St Mary’s Lane near Council, in partnership with Malmsbury Landcare,
Kyneton. has reimagined the Malmsbury Common Reserve
and has expanded the site’s walking trails.
The works include landscaping as well as construction
of elevated concrete boardwalks to connect the The entrance has been upgraded to acknowledge
reserve entrance to the network of walking trails the local Traditional Owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung,
beyond. and the site now supports all-ability access to picnic
seating. A gravel walking trail loops through the old
The boardwalk and trails were carefully aligned to rifle mound and the site’s grassy wetland expanse,
protect the site’s native flora as well as the threatened and a new elevated ‘gathering place’ provides a point
Bibrons Toadlet that lives in the ephemeral waterways of reflection, including information about the impact of
near the entrance area. Bald Hill Reserve supports settlement on local indigenous communities.
one of Victoria’s largest remaining Bibrons Toadlet
populations, making it an important conservation site Council and the community of Malmsbury encourages
in the region. everyone to come and enjoy this space.
Page 10 ShireLife Major projectsSubscribe Rates instalments
to eNews Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments
by no later than the due date. Instalment reminder
notices will be sent prior to each instalment date.
Receive updates on Council projects and
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or more of the following: pandemic, interest is not being charged for overdue rates
or other payments through to 30 September 2020.
Aquatics and Leisure: get the latest on fitness
classes, sports programs, swimming and more. The instalment dates for 2020/21 are:
30 September 2020 30 November 2020
Arts and Culture: find out about festivals, 28 February 2021 31 May 2021
exhibitions, arts events and opportunities.
You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa
Business: discover events, support and other
or Mastercard via Council’s website,
opportunities for local business.
mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments or in person at a Council
Disability: news on local programs and services customer service centre.
that cater to people with a disability.
If you have any questions about rates payment methods,
Environment: find out more about local or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, contact
environmental projects and events. the Rates department: 5422 0322
Family: information for local families with children
aged up to eight years.
Contact Council
Over 55s: a quarterly newsletter with updates on
events and opportunities for over 55s.
ShireLife: bi-monthly newsletter on Council
projects, activities, opportunities and more. 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577
Waste: quarterly newsletter with waste and mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
recycling service updates, local events and waste mrsc.vic.gov.au
reduction tips. PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444
5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters * Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of the
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social media
Visit one of our service centres:
40 Robertson Street, Gisborne
Get regular updates about our services, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton
projects, events and activities via our social
media channels. 96−100 Main Street, Romsey
Cnr High and Forest streets, Woodend.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres
Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre impairment can contact Council through the National
Macedon Ranges Over 55s Connect Relay Service:
Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture
• TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333
Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts
Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone
1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333
Macedon Ranges Youth
• Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see relayservice.
@MacedonRangesSC com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333.
@MacedonRangessc If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a
large print version of this newsletter: 5422 0302
Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au
ShireLife is produced on 100% recycled paper from post consumer waste, and printed by a printer who operates and is Page 11
certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.East Ward
Cr Henry Bleeck
Mobile: 0400 028 507
hbleeck@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Natasha Gayfer
Mobile: 0436 407 401
Latest news ngayfer@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Keep up to date with the latest
news from Council including media
releases, public notices and Cr Bill West
consultations. Mobile: 0400 025 455
mrsc.vic.gov.au/latest-news bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Your Councillors
South Ward
Cr Mandi Mees
(Deputy Mayor)
Mobile: 0448 814 442
mmees@mrsc.vic.gov.au
#InThisTogether
Council’s #InThisTogether campaign Cr Helen Radnedge
supports residents and businesses Mobile: 0437 386 922
during the coronavirus COVID-19 hradnedge@mrsc.vic.gov.au
pandemic.
For more information:
mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Cr Andrew Twaits
or like our Facebook page: Mobile: 0429 066 000
atwaits@mrsc.vic.gov.au
MacedonRangesShireCouncil
West Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson
Mobile: 0408 273 670
janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Need to get Cr Roger Jukes
Mobile: 0400 647 445
moving? rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Home-fit videos are now
available online!
Cr Janet Pearce (Mayor)
Visit one of our aquatic centre’s Mobile: 0437 282 096
facebook pages (see page 11) or jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au
mrsc.vic.gov.au/home-fitYou can also read
