Timeline

Work in progress

We aim to provide a clearer understanding of the background to this development proposal by providing access to many of the key documents, events and decisions that HRAG consider relevant. As much as possible we have provided links to the documents where available. Some key documents are still not available. Documents are arranged in sequential order. Click on individual entries to see more or use the Expand All button.

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2015

Hanging Rock review

04.06.2015

Hanging Rock review

Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville announced the first stage of a comprehensive review of the Hanging Rock Precinct

The first stage of the review will provide analysis and options for future governance and administrative arrangements for management of the site.

Downloads: Hanging Rock Review

Hanging Rock added to the Victorian Heritage Register

06.03.2015

Hanging Rock Reserve added to the Victorian Heritage Register

Hanging Rock Reserve has now been added to the Victorian Heritage Register. The Eastern Paddock has not been included.

Downloads: Hanging Rock Determination by the Heritage Council

2014

Council formerly ends the Hanging Rock and Investment Plan

28.05.2014

Council formerly ends the Hanging Rock and Investment Plan

At the 28th May Council meeting Council formerly ends the "Hanging Rock Investment and Development Plan".

It was moved by Cr Letchford seconded by Cr Mowatt

That Council:

Acknowledges the State Government’s funding commitment as follows:

$250,000 per annum on-going for maintenance, minor facility upgrade and environment improvement projects; and

Access to other funding streams for major upgrade and environment projects.

Ceases all progress on implementing the following Council resolutions regarding Hanging Rock:

PE 4 of the 28 August 2013;

Urgent and Other Business of the 26 February 2014; and,

PE 5 of the 26 March 2014.

Works with the Minister for Plannings Office to ensure that appropriate planning controls apply to the Hanging Rock Precinct.

Downloads: Council Meeting – Wednesday, 28 May 2014 MINUTES

Hanging Rock Saved From Development - Victorian Government Intervenes

Council's Proposed Community Consultation Plan - Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan

26.03.2014

Council's Community Consultation Plan - Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan

At the 26 February 2014 Council meeting the following motion was carried:

"Following the decision of the 28th August 2013 on the proposed Hanging Rock Development and Investment Plan that Council :

Part A

Resolves to carry out a focussed one month community education on the use and development of the Hanging Rock Reserve Precinct, and

Investigate the merits in planning protection specifically to protect the immediate area of Hanging Rock area within an area yet to be determined as the Hanging Rock Precinct, note : not limited to the Hanging Rock Reserve or East Paddock but to include the immediate and adjoining developed residential area

Part B

Seek community comment for the period of two months ending with a section 223 Committee of Council to hear separate or joint submissions on the Hanging Rock Reserve Precinct Plan and Council Hanging Rock Investment Plan with a final report on both to come back to Council no later than the Ordinary Council meeting in July 2014

This was clarified by council at the next meeting on 26 March 2014 as the following recommendation:

" That Council adopts the following approach to implementing the information and consultation strategy for Hanging Rock and the surrounding precinct:

Preparation of a package of information including; a summary of all relevant information regarding the Development and Investment Plan, options for generating income specifically to invest in Hanging Rock, and a land use precinct plan.

Preparation of a communications plan including a comprehensive consultation phase.

Undertake the consultation which incorporates a one month information provision period followed by a two month feedback period.

Incorporates a public hearing process that conforms with the intent of Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.
Considers all feedback and report findings and recommendations to Council.

Commit to a project timeframe with the following major milestones;

Information gathering and document preparation by June

Consultation over July-September

Public hearing in October

Consideration of issues and report to Council in December/February

An amendment as follows was put:
" the insertion of a new point 3 to read ;
3. The information packages and communications plan be adopted by Council prior to the commencement of the consultation process

And the renumbering of the existing points through to 7

And the addition of a point 8 to read;

8. that implementation of point 4 of the 28th August 2013 resolution be put on hold until this work is complete, which was :

Ordinary Council Meeting – Wednesday, 26 March 2014 MINUTES

Page 13 - ‘ That Council agrees to work with the State Government to seek a private investor for the two areas identified ( total 5.8 hectares ) of the Master Plan in this report ‘

This amendment was put and lost.
Downloads

26 February 2014 - Minutes- Council meeting

26 March 2014 - Minutes- Council Meeting

Hanging Rock Reserve & Eastern Paddock nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register

12.03.2014

Hanging Rock Reserve & Eastern Paddock nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register

Hanging Rock Reserve and the Eastern Paddock nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register by the Hanging Rock Action Group

Downloads: Hanging Rock Nomination - VHR Assessment v5 30.4

2013

Community Consultation equals Hollow Consultation

30.09.2013

Community Consultation equals "Hollow Consultation"

In the Council Information Bulletin No 2 it stated:

"Why didn’t Council follow its Community Consultation Framework?

The Framework was followed in that Council has made a decision in line with the direction pursued by the Hanging Rock Development Advisory Committee - a representative group, and with other adopted strategies of the Council.

Councillors determined that only one of the possible options for the sustainable management of the Rock was suitable and therefore considered that asking the general community for an opinion on their preference would be hollow consultation. As set out under the accepted methods of consultation, having made a legitimate decision Council is now informing the community about it and will continue to do so throughout the process.

Where there are truly options to be considered by the community and feedback will genuinely input to Council’s deliberations, consultation will occur. For example, any proposed building works associated with private development will be subject to notification and assessment.

The Hanging Rock Development & Advisory Committee was given a briefing about the plan on the 27th August, just 24 hours before the Council meeting at which Councillors voted 5:4 to seek expressions of interest from the private sector to implement the plan. This was the first time the community members of the Hanging Rock Development & Advisory Committee had seen the plan.

Downloads: Hanging Rock - Information Bulletin No 2 September 2013

Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan - Rescission Motion - Special Council Meeting

13.09.2013

Hanging Rock Development & Investement Plan - Rescission Motion - Special Council Meeting

At the special Council meeting on 4 September 2013 a rescission motion was tabled that read:

4. Notice of Rescission No. 8 - 2013 / 2014 - Cr Jennifer Anderson That the resolution of Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28th August 2013 regarding the Hanging Rock Development and Investment Plan viz

‘That Council:

Endorses the need to seek private investment to ensure a sustainable ongoing income source for the Hanging Rock Reserve and the East Paddock.

Resolves to support the type, size and scale of tourism investment identified on the Master Plan in this report.

Resolves to seek funding from state government for the enabling infrastructure required to leverage private investment.

Agrees to work with the state government to seek a private investor for the two areas identified (total 5.8 hectares) on the Master Plan in this report.

Acknowledges that the detail of all proposed uses and built form would be assessed through relevant statutory planning processes.

Develops a detailed communications plan which provides information to community and stakeholders throughout the process.’
Be rescinded.

This motion was put and lost

Downloads: 4 September 2013 - Minutes - Council Meeting

Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan - Submission to Council

28.08.2013

Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan - Submission to Council

At the 28 August Council meeting a submission PE.4 HANGING ROCK DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT PLAN was put to Council.

The Officers recommendation stated:

That Council:

Acknowledges the need to seek an alternative income source to ensure the sustainability of Hanging Rock Reserve and the East Paddock.

Endorses the three options for income generation provided in this report with a view of seeking community feedback.

Resolves to seek community feedback for a period of one month, based on indicating a preference for one of three options;

To pursue the option of private investment based on the location, type, size and scale of tourism development identified in the in this report.

To allocate approximately $300,000 per annum from general rate revenue to support Hanging Rock for an indefinite period of time.

Seek to hand over all management and responsibility for the Hanging Rock Reserve to the State Government.

An alternative motion was tabled which stated:

That Council:

Note the officer’s report

Request the officer’s to provide a report outlining all options considered, including the no change option, to be made available to the public, both on line and at offices, and that it be widely advertised, and made for submissions for a minimum of 6 weeks, after this report has been endorsed by Council.

Provide community sessions to be run at varying times and locations for the public to come and ask questions and put forward their views.

Place all further work on specifically investigating the possibility of a conference and dining facility, events and function centre, day spa and accommodation in the East Paddock or Hanging Rock Reserve on hold until this community consultation has occurred, been reported back to Council, and Council decides upon the next steps.

Individually notify, via mail or email, all independent operators of accommodation, restaurants, conferences centres and tourism industries located in the Macedon Ranges ( only some of which are noted in the 2009 Macedon Ranges Shire Tourism Impact Study ) of the consultation process mentioned in point 2, 3 and 4 for the future of the Hanging Rock Reserve and East Paddock, along with Hanging Rock Development Advisory Committee members, Tourism Macedon Ranges, Friends of Hanging Rock Reserve and Woodend ( Five Mile Creek ) Landcare.

Direct Officers to provide full economic data on the incomes and expenditures of the Hanging Rock Reserve and East Paddock over the last 4 years to be made available to Councillors and the public to assist then with their decision making.

Request the Officers to provide a report back to Council about community submissions received during the consultation process.

This motion was put and lost.

Another motion was then put and won.

That Council:

) Endorses the need to seek private investment to ensure a sustainable ongoing income source for the Hanging Rock Reserve and the East Paddock.

) Resolves to support the type, size and scale of tourism investment identified on the Master Plan in this report.

) Resolves to seek funding from state government for the enabling infrastructure required to leverage private investment.

) Agrees to work with the state government to seek a private investor for the two areas identified (total 5.8 hectares) on the Master Plan in this report.

) Acknowledges that the detail of all proposed uses and built form would be assessed through relevant statutory planning processes.

) Develops a detailed communications plan which provides information to community and stakeholders throughout the process.

Downloads: 28 August 2013 - Agenda - Council Meeting; 28 August 2013 - Minutes - Council Meeting

Regional Development Australia Fund - Application successful.- Council Media Release

07.06.2013

Regional Development Australia Fund - Application successful.

With the successful application the Macedon Ranges Shire Council released a media release which stated:

"Works will include two new visitor shelters, the supply of electricity, water and informal lighting to the main reserve and picnic grounds, improved pedestrian access and car parking, and enhancements to improve wildlife corridors and habitat.

Mayor, Cr Roger Jukes thanked the federal government for its generous funding contribution:

“This project will improve our ability to support, sustain and enhance visitor numbers to Hanging Rock and the region through picnickers, concerts and events,” he said. “Income generated from events and visitor entrance fees will help to care for Hanging Rock Reserve, so that this natural icon can be protected into the future,” said Cr Jukes."

Downloads: $2 million grant secured for Hanging Rock - Media Release

Regional Development Australia Fund Round 4 - Extracts from Council's application.

11.04.2013

Regional Development Australia Fund Round 4 - Extracts from Council's Application

The application included the following, which was not included in the original submission to Council on 28 November 2012.

" Regional Development Victoria and Tourism Victoria have partnered Council in the formulation of a Development and Investment Strategy for Hanging Rock to consider whether a quality low impact accommodation and conference facility could attract private investment at Hanging Rock. If feasible and supported this would address the current shortfall in such accommodation through the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region as identified in the Regional Tourism Action Plan 2009-12 and the Macedon Ranges Tourist Accommodation Supply Demand Analysis. These noted that the major opportunities in the region are the development of high quality, large capacity accommodation, and expanded activities aimed at attracting international visitors. The infrastructure and in particular the power and water provision to be provided as part of the "Hanging Rock: Essential Infrastructure Development" project has been planned and will support and enable possible private investment in accommodation leading to flow-on benefits both to Hanging Rack and the region. The private investment required is estimated to be in the order of $23M. The study is at draft stage.
Water and cycling walking trail - Council is currently partnering the regional water authority, Western Water, in a feasibility study into the potential to provide recycled and potable water pipelines from Woodend to Hanging Rock, A long desired walking and cycling trail along the pipeline route is also being considered. The provision of recycled and potable water will assist in drought proofing the reserve that currently relies on dam and tank water for all irrigation and personal use purposes. Promising discussions have been held with the State Government in terms of funding this project which is estimated to cost in the order of $3M. The "Hanging Rock: Essential Infrastructure Development" project will put the on-site infrastructure (ie internal ring main, tanks and pumps) in place to support this project and RDA funding will provide the impetus for additional State Government involvement.

In summary the "Hanging Rock: Essential Infrastructure Development" project will leverage significant funding from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and contributions from other partners but will also support and enable potential significant future funding from the private sector and state government."

Downloads: Extracts from MRSC RDA application - 11 Apr 2013

Victorian Government - Localised Planning Statements

13.02.2013

Victorian Governmnet - Localised Planning Statements

The Minister for Planning, The Hon Matthew Guy MLC issues a media release that states:

"The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on a commitment to establish Localised Planning Statements for key areas, ensuring their valued attributes remain significant for decades to come.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the key areas of the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges and the Bellarine Peninsula are distinctive in their own right.

“These areas have significant geographic and physical features which contribute to the quality of life for all Melburnians and Victorians,” Mr Guy said.

“...Further inland the Macedon Ranges Shire is characterised by its unique landscapes which attract thousands of visitors each year..

“We have to acknowledge their distinctiveness and treat them differently when it comes to their proximity to, and relationship with, metropolitan Melbourne and neighbouring regions.

“The new planning statements will feature strategies to ensure that these locations are preserved and enhanced for use by present and future generations as unique local areas,” Mr Guy said.

Each council will receive funding of $25,000 to assist in the formal community engagement and consultation process so that all voices are heard and local priorities are identified.

.... The Localised Planning Statements are expected to be finalised by December 2013

Downloads: Media Release - The Hon Matthew Guy MLC Minister for Planning 21 February 2013

2012

Regional Regional Development Australia Fund Round 4 - Submission to Council

28.11.2012

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA FUND ROUND 4 - Submission to Council

At the 28 November 2012 Council meeting a submission to seek funding from the Regional Development Australia Fund was endorsed by Council.

The submission stated that:

"After consideration of the funding parameters it is recommended that Council submit expressions of interest for funding for:
Round 4 - Hanging Rock development of infrastructure at Hanging Rock to support events, concerts, facilities and general visitations."

It also stated:

"The project aims to develop infrastructure at Hanging Rock to support events, concerts, facilities and general visitations. Infrastructure requirements include:

The provision of upgraded power supply to the reserve and east paddock;

Improved access and pedestrian tracks;

Improved supply of water throughout the reserve;

Revegetation of key habitat areas;

Other facilities such as toilets."

Downloads: Agenda 28 November 2012 - Council meeting.

2011

Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan - Consultant's Brief

09.2011

September - Hanging Rock Development & Investment Plan – Consultant’s Brief

This brief issued by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council stated:

" The Macedon Ranges Visitor Accomodation Opportunities Study identified:
a key gap in the supply of tourist accomomodation as being a large internationally branded resort or conference centre in close proximity to Hanging Rock."

and under AIMS stated:

"The aim of this study is to develop in consultation with the relevant authorities, Council and the local community a comprehensive development and tourism investment strategy that will increase tourism visitation and yield for the region

This study will develop a comprehensive masterplan and tourism investment strategy to provide guidance on the future management of the Hanging Rock Reserve (including the Eastern Paddock)."

Under CHALLENGES it stated:

" Environmentally Sensitive region / community"

It also stated:

"A more detailed timeline including community consultation will be discussed with the preferred supplier."

Downloads: Hanging Rock Reserve Development & Investment Plan - Consultant's Brief

2010

Rezoning of the Eastern Paddock

25.08.2010

Rezoning of the Eastern Paddock from Rural Conservation Zone to Public Park and Recreation Zone – Amendment C68

At the 25th August Council meeting the planning submission, Amendment C68, which was previously submitted to Council at the 26th May meeting was represented with one change. That change was in regard to the Eastern Paddock which was changed from the original proposal for rezoning to Public Conservation and Resource Zone to Public to now be rezoned as Public Park and Recreation Zone.

In the submission it states:

One supporting submission has been received to date from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. DSE’s submission supports the use of the Public Park and Recreation Zone. The application of this Zone has been considered by Council’s Planning and Recreation Units and it is agreed that the suggested Zone should be applied to the land as it is the most appropriate zone for the Hanging Rock eastern paddock having regard to the recreation purposes for which the land is to be used.

The purpose and provisions of the Public Park and Recreation Zone at Clause 36.02 of the Planning Scheme:

best suit the current and ongoing use of the eastern paddock; and

best provide for the continued implementation of the Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve Management Plan.

At the same meeting a submission regarding an application for a permit for The Use of Land for Outdoor Music Concerts At Hanging Rock – East Paddock was also included.

In this submission its states:

"It is acknowledged that under the current Rural Conservation zoning of the land a Place of Assembly (includes outdoor concert) is prohibited. Council is currently undertaking a correction and anomalies planning scheme amendment which identifies that this land covered by the incorrect zone, given that it is owned by Council and seeks to rezone the land to Public Park and Recreation."

and also includes:

"The land is proposed to be rezoned Public Park and Recreation which aims to achieve the following objectives:
To recognise areas for public recreation and open space.

To protect and conserve areas of significance where appropriate.

To provide for commercial uses where appropriate.

Downloads: Agenda 25 August 2010 - Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Proposed rezoning of the Eastern Paddock

Macedon Ranges Visitor Accommodation Opportunities Study

04.05.2010

Macedon Ranges Visitor Accommodation Opportunities Study

This report commissioned by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council suggested under 6.2 Accommodation Opportunities
there was a potential for a:

Large Internationally Branded Resort or Conference Facility in close proximity to Hanging Rock or Mt Macedon. There are no large internationally branded resorts which cater to over 200 guests or delegates in the Macedon Ranges in 4.5 star accommodation or higher. Rural areas in close proximity to Mt Macedon and Hanging Rock provide a unique setting for international and interstate visitors. The facility may incorporate a range of recreational activities including geothermal spa."

It also recommended to:

“IDENTIFY AND REMOVE ANY BARRIERS TO ACCOMMODATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHIRE.

This includes:

Review of the rural zones and identify any changes to the planning scheme in rural areas which are required to encourage accommodation and tourism product development. (Such as use of the Rural Activity Zone and sites for tourism development).

Where appropriate rezone Farming Zone land or Rural Conservation Zone land that has existing tourism uses to ensure that tourism is considered a legitimate use in the rural areas of the Shire. This will also remove barriers for businesses which are seeking to grow in the rural areas…
and in its conclusion the study stated:

" The Farming Zone and Rural Conservation Zone is too restrictive in terms of the types of tourism uses that have been identified as “gaps” in the Macedon Ranges Shire. For example, it is not possible to establish a large accommodation facility in the Farming Zone or Rural Conservation Zone, unless it is used in conjunction with agriculture, outdoor recreation, rural industry or winery. In addition, a caravan park is a prohibited use. Given the widespread application of the Farming Zone and Rural Conservation Zone in the Shire, it is currently not possible to propose an integrated tourism resort in the rural areas."

Downloads: Macedon Ranges Shire Visitor Accomodation Opportunties Study Final Report May 2010

2007

Register of the National Estate closed

17.02.2007

Hanging Rock Reserve no longer protected by Commonwealth Legislation

The Register of the National Estate was closed and is no longer a statutory list. All references to the Register of the National Estate were removed from the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 19 February 2012.

It was assumed that non-Commonwealth places may be protected under appropriate state, territory or local government heritage legislation. This was not the case with the Hanging Rock Reserve.

More: Register of the National Estate - archive

1995

Shire of Newham & Woodend becomes part of the Shire of Macedon Ranges: 19.01.1995

Shire of Newham & Woodend becomes part of the Shire of Macedon Ranges

On 19 January 1995, the Shire of Newham & Woodend was abolished, and merged with the Shires of Gisborne, Kyneton and Romsey into the Shire of Macedon Ranges.

1993

Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve Management Plan - Loder & Bayly

09.1993

Sept. 1993 - Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve Management Plan.

This report by Loder & Bayly was commissioned by the Shire of Newham & Woodend to protect and conserve Hanging Rock.

The Introduction states:

"The timing of this study is opportune, as it coincides with the realization of a long term goal of the Committee of Management to purchase the adjacent property of 22 hectares to the east of the Reserve and incorporate this land into the existing Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve. The new land acquisition is a real asset, as it facilitates the easier implementation of the main study goal as recommended by the Land Conservation Council in its review of District 1 of the Melbourne Area:-

" That the area continue to be used for the purposes approved by Government following publication of the final recommendation for the Melbourne area in 1977. The existing recreation reserve, Parish of Newham, encompasses Hanging Rock. The significant geological, scenic, historical and floristic values of Hanging Rock should be protected."

It does this by allowing greater scopes for the dispersal of activities which are currently concentrated close to the base of the rock, exerting pressure on the values requiring protection. In addition to the protection of natural values, major historical values to be preserved are the bi-annual picnic race meetings which have been run for over 100 years on the site and are of significant tourism and cultural value.

The study brief aims to achieve a balance between natural and cultural values so that both are enhanced by implementation of the final management plan which will be developed following a public review phase."

In the section on "OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS" it states:

"OPPORTUNITIES

Current zoning will ensure rural setting remains intact.

Purchase of "22 ha" allows significant restructuring to take away picnicking pressure from close to rock and more natural environments.

Opportunity to increase habitat value of reserve by linking bushland from Rock to surrounding area, making it more inviting to roosting birds etc.

Hill on new property has excellent views of rock and has the potential to be developed as an activity node.

CONSTRAINTS

Past zoning has allowed development at an undesirable density to encroach on site - minimal or no buffer.

New property virtually treeless and won't be suitable for relocating picnic activities for a considerable time."

It also recommended that

"...that once the loan on the new property has been paid off that the property be transferred to Crown ownership and incorporated into the Hanging Rock Reserve, with the current regulations to apply for both pieces of land."

Downloads: - Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve Management Plan Chapters 1-11; - Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve Management Plan Chapters 12 -14 & Appendicies

1991

Hanging Rock Reserve included in the Register of the National Estate

14.04.1991

Hanging Rock Reserve included in the Register of the National Estate.

The Shire of Newham & Woodend was successful in having the Hanging Rock Reserve included in the Register of the National Estate.

Some extracts from the Statement of Significance:

" Hanging Rock is important for its aesthetic quality (Criterion E.1)

A place of recreation since the 1860s and a Crown recreation reserve since 1884 ..... (Criterion G.1)

Hanging Rock has an association with the early European exploration of Victoria. ... (Criterion A.4)

Hanging Rock reserve contains one of the few remaining remnants of the vegetation that occurred in the area between the Macedon range and the Cobaws prior to European settlement. (Criterion A.1)

Hanging Rock is an unusual volcano for Victoria both in terms of its form and rock composition..... (Criterion A.1)

The Commission has determined that this place has Indigenous values of national estate significance..."

Downloads: Australian Heritage Database - Hanging Rock entry

1989

Purchase of the Eastern Paddock: 11.1989

November - Purchase of the Eastern Paddock

The Shire of Newham & Woodend purchased the Eastern Paddock as an intended conservation zone to act as a buffer to the Hanging Rock Reserve from the surrounding farmland.

Settlement of the purchase was made in February 1990.

1978

Hanging Rock nominated to the Register of the National Estate

05.01.1978

Hanging Rock nominated to the Register of the National Estate

Hanging Rock was nominated by the Shire of Newham and Woodend to the Register of the National Estate, a Commonwealth Heritage program.

Downloads: Hanging Rock Nomination - Register of the National Estate - 05-01-1978

Hanging Rock Saved From Development - Victorian Government Intervenes

Proposed rezoning of the Eastern Paddock from Rural Conservation Zone to Public Resource and Conservation Zone Amendment C68

How does the amendment support or implement the State Planning Policy Framework?