Hanging rock master plan out for community comment

The Andrews Labor Government has released a draft masterplan for Victoria’s iconic Hanging Rock precinct that will ensure the area’s environmental and cultural assets are protected.

Residents, community groups and visitors are invited to share their views and ideas on the draft Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan which is now open for consultation.

The plan outlines how the Hanging Rock Precinct in the Macedon Ranges will be protected and managed into the future, including finding ways to resolve some of the area’s major challenges.

Those challenges include ensuring increasing visitor numbers do not negatively impact Hanging Rock and the surrounding environment and planning for the future impacts of a changing climate.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Djaara, and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups to address and resolve these challenges while ensuring the important cultural stories are included throughout the precinct.

In 2018, the Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council approved the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan to help protect the area. The master plan has been developed to show how the strategic plan will be implemented over the next 20 years.

Consultation is open until Monday, 28 February 2022. To view the draft plan visit: engage.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock-master-plan.

The final Hanging Rock Precinct Master Plan is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"In collaboration with Traditional Owners, the master plan will ensure visitors can continue to visit Hanging Rock while managing impacts to the natural environmental and cultural assets of this iconic place into the future."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
"Victorians love Hanging Rock, that’s why we are planning for its future and protecting its unique natural environment so we can ensure it continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come."

"This plan will ensure issues facing the area – included increasing numbers of visitors and the challenges of climate change − are addressed."