Posted 29/9/08

Petition Content

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Please Sign The 'Keep Macedon Ranges Rural' PETITION

To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria

The petition of the people of Victoria and of Macedon Ranges Shire

points out to the House

Macedon Ranges Shire currently has its own planning policy, Statement of Planning Policy No 8 - Macedon Ranges and Surrounds 1975 [the 'Macedon Ranges policy'], to protect its environment, towns and rural land from overdevelopment.

The 'Macedon Ranges policy' is no longer underpinned by State legislation and has been downgraded to local policy in Macedon Ranges planning scheme.  Residents' campaigns since 2004 and a 2004 Council resolution have called for the 'Macedon Ranges policy' to be reinstated as State policy.

The Victorian Department of Planning has, without consultation, ordered this policy be removed from Macedon Ranges planning scheme, opening the door to the same metropolitan over-development the policy was introduced to prevent. 

Without government action, this outstanding, irreplaceable natural asset, its rural character and environment, will be lost for future generations.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria act to:

• Immediately withdraw the Department of Planning and Community Development's order to remove Statement of Planning Policy No. 8 from Macedon Ranges planning scheme.
•  Immediately protect Macedon Ranges through application of interim planning controls that uphold Statement of Planning Policy No. 8.
• Elevate Statement of Planning Policy No. 8 to State policy.
•  Introduce legislation to support, and permanent planning provisions to implement, Statement of Planning Policy No. 8.