Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community members and businesses to help shape the future of local planning by providing feedback on the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme Review.
While the Planning Scheme may seem technical, it plays an important part in guiding how land across the shire is used, developed and protected. It helps guide planning decisions and supports how Council manages growth, responds to change, protects important environmental and landscape values, and plans for the future needs of the community.
Council regularly reviews the Planning Scheme to ensure it remains up to date, reflects current state and local planning policy, and continues to provide effective tools to guide planning decisions.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Cr Cassy Borthwick is encouraging community members and businesses to have their say on the draft Planning Scheme Review before consultation closes on 11 September.
“The Macedon Ranges we enjoy today is the result of decisions made by previous generations that protected our landscapes, shaped our communities and preserved the unique character of our region,” Cr Borthwick said.
“Now it’s our turn to think about the legacy we’ll leave behind.”
“The Planning Scheme is one of the most important tools we have for shaping the future of our shire. It influences how we balance growth with environmental protection, how we retain the character of our towns and villages, and how we respond to future challenges and opportunities.”
“This review is an opportunity to step back and ask whether we’re focusing on the right priorities. Have we identified the key issues facing our community? Are there gaps we need to address? Are we providing the right planning framework to support the future we want to create together?”
“Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or have recently made the Macedon Ranges your home, your perspective matters. The decisions informed by this review will help guide our region for years to come, and we want to hear from the people who care most about its future.”
A Planning Scheme Review is a broad assessment of how effectively the scheme is working and whether it remains fit for purpose. It does not directly change zones, overlays or planning controls on individual properties. Rather, it identifies opportunities to improve the Planning Scheme and ensure it continues to support the community’s needs and aspirations.
The previous Planning Scheme Review was completed in 2019.
Community members can read the consultation summary and complete the short survey at yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Planning-Scheme-Review
Feedback closes at 11.59pm on Friday 11 September 2026.
