Victorian Government invites community comment on Hanging Rock Master Plan

Aiming to ensure the area’s environmental and cultural assets are protected, the Victorian Government has released a draft masterplan for Victoria’s landmark Hanging Rock precinct.

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 Victorian 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.

Commenting on the master plan, Victorian Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio stated “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.”

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

Consultation is open until Monday 28th February 2022.

Click here to view the draft plan.