Hanging rock ministerial advisory group appointed

Members of the new Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) that will help guide the future of the iconic Hanging Rock precinct have been announced. The Group will be responsible for advising the Minister on appropriate future governance, management and development of the Hanging Rock Precinct.

Three community representatives and an independent Chair have been appointed to the MAG: – John Nevins (independent chair), Bryanna Sandercock, Steve Wroe and Dermot Henry. Traditional Owners from the Wurundjeri, Taungurung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples, have each been invited to nominate a representative to be part of the MAG.

The MAG will ensure that the aspirations of Traditional Owners and community interest groups are considered in all decision making for the strategic management of Hanging Rock.

Funding of $3 million has been provided for implementation of high priority actions in the Hanging Rock Strategic Plan over three years, including new environmental protections, greater recognition of Hanging Rock’s ancestral and cultural significance to Traditional Owners and enhancing recreation opportunities for locals and visitors.

Over three years, the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) will coordinate the implementation of a new joint governance arrangement for the precinct with Traditional Owners, gain a detailed understanding of the cultural and environmental values of the site and ensure a new masterplan is developed.

Selection of the community members was based on a public expression of interest process and the independent chair was directly appointed by the Minister. The MAG includes nine positions: three individual community representatives, independent chair, representatives from Traditional Owners, DELWP Loddon Mallee Regional Director and Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO.

The first meeting of the new MAG was held on Thursday 3 September 2020.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio
"Hanging Rock is one of Victoria’s most significant natural assets and the Victorian Government is committed to protecting the site for current and future generations.

“Appointment of the Ministerial Advisory Group demonstrates the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting Hanging Rock’s cultural, natural and environmental values well into the future."