Hanging Rock Action Group
Community Consultation
This site is currently being updated with links etc as it has been dormant for the last 3 years. Please excuse failed link, images etc.
Update - 29th June 2026
It is nearly 3 years since the community gathered in the East Paddock on 18th August 2023, to warmly welcome the Government's announcement of the purchase of the East Paddock and the release of the approved Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan.
HOWEVER
Has any work begun on the Master Plan ? NO!
Has funding been allocated for the Master Plan? NO!
It is crucial that work begins on implementing the Master Plan for the following reasons:
1. Ongoing population growth pressures from rapidly expanding Melbourne suburbs.
Two of the fastest growing Local Government Areas in Australia are Melton and Mitchell Shires and both are within a 1 hour drive of Hanging Rock.
2. Increased visitation via the planned
Outer metropolitan ring / E6 transport corridor.
Planned in 2010 The Outer Metropolitan Ring / E6 reservation will accommodate a 100 kilometre long high-speed transport link for people and freight in Melbourne’s north and west. This again will enable ease of access and increased visitation.
3. Environmental concern:
The Master Plan states: 'Ecological systems across the Precinct will be restored and reconnected to provide the highest and most sustainable ecological and environmental values' p52.
Much valuable time has been lost regarding the ecology. Planning, preparing and planting, as proposed, will take years
HRAG acknowledges that the Master Plan is a long term development program; however we would urge the Government to begin the necessary work to ensure that it can deliver that sustainable future for Hanging Rock as planned.
Success At Last! - 18th August 2023
Well done. Your hard work has paid off.
It is nearly 10 years since 28th August 2013, when the MRSC first proposed the development in the East Paddock. Change does not happen over night and it is only through community action that this has been achieved.
" The Andrews Labor Government has purchased Hanging Rock’s East Paddock and released a new master plan to further protect the cultural significance of the cherished destination. Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt today announced the $3 million investment will provide a clear pathway for the future management of the iconic Hanging Rock.
The newly acquired East Paddock will offically be intergrated into the Hanging Rock Reserve – ensuring the precinct remains protected for years to come...."
Read the full media release
Rock Solid Future For Hanging Rock
Download the approved Master Plan
Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan
Have Your Say - Jan. 2022
Over 8 years ago we started on this journey to bring respect and recognition to Hanging Rock and as a community to have our say on its future.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has recently released the Hanging Rock Draft Master Plan for community comment. This plan once finalised, will be the guiding document for the next 20 years. We encourage you all to read it and use the opportunity to provide your feedback by 28 Feb.
Hanging Rock Draft Master Plan
Time for Action - Macedon Ranges Local Elections Oct. 2020
It is more than seven years since the Macedon Ranges Shire Council proposed a massive development at Hanging Rock. Since that time there has been significant community action, negotiations and funding made available to ensure the East Paddock is purchased by the State Government and integrated with the main Hanging Rock Reserve as Crown Land. However after more than 12 months of negotiation the Macedon Ranges Shire Council still refuses to cooperate and ensure the transfer takes place.
Two letters in the recent Midland Express Tuesday Oct. 13th by representatives from both the former Liberal and current Labour State Governments highlight the problem - namely the current Council. With local elections now underway we need to ensure the new Council will cooperate.
If you can't get out and ask the candidates directly, we think the traffic lights of A Forum for Democratic Renewal will ensure the best result for Hanging Rock.
The Hanging Rock Action Group strongly recommends reading the new book "Hanging Rock - A History" written by Chris McConville and published by the Friends of Hanging Rock, Dec. 2017. It provides much new material and explores the stories of the traditional Aboriginal owners, Hanging Rock’s geology, flora and fauna, European imagining of this strange place, and farming and leisure uses of Hanging Rock. Detailing the historical and ongoing issues at Hanging Rock between commercialization and the environment this book will become the standard reference work for Hanging Rock and as such should be supported. With 264 pages and 146 illustrations it presents Hanging Rock as never before.
The Hanging Rock Action Group is pleased to support a new management proposal for Hanging Rock, which Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, announced on 16 December.
Read the media release: "Preserving Hanging Rock"
Read the consultant's report "Review of ownership and management arrangements of Hanging Rock Reserve and East Paddock"
Have your say on the "future governance and administrative arrangements for management" of Hanging Rock and the Eastern Paddock. -read the media release Hanging Rock Review below and send your submission now extended to 5.00 pm 31st July 2015.
hangingrockreview@delwp.vic.gov.au
On 4 June 2015, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, joined Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, to announce the first stage of a comprehensive review of the Hanging Rock Precinct.
See more at: "Hanging Rock Review"
Hanging Rock Reserve has now been added to the Victorian Heritage Register. The Eastern Paddock was not included. Thanks to everyone who was involved in helping to achieve further protection for our local icon!
Read the Heritage Council's determination. 05-03-15
WHERE DO THE MACEDON CANDIDATES FOR THE 2014 ELECTION STAND ON HANGING ROCK?
Read our questions and their answers.
WE DID IT!!! Council has agreed to scrap the development plans for Hanging Rock. State Government will provide $1 million for maintenance over four years, as well as introduce planning restrictions.This is what communities can achieve when they unite to stand up for what they believe in.This is YOUR victory!
Read the Minister for Planning Matthew Guy's Press Release
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council with minimal community consultation is currently seeking expressions of interest for a large scale development at Hanging Rock Reserve.The Hanging Rock Action Group is an alliance of community groups and individuals who are committed to:
1. Have Council undertake its Community Consultation Framework,
2. Distill the real issues and facts of the proposed development, and
3. Raise community awareness of the issues.
HRAG stands for an open and transparent process that gives our community the opportunity to participate as guaranteed in Councils Community Consultation Framework.
Once implemented HRAG will cease to exist.
