VIC · Macedon Ranges (Loddon Mallee) · Local council, made simple
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
A shire of 1,748 km² in central Victoria, home to about 54,000 people in towns such as Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend, Romsey, Riddells Creek and Lancefield, and around Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon. The council runs your four bins, local roads and drains, parks and trails, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rate +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesThe council's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,065 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyMacedon Ranges' recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
All 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour three ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Cassy Borthwick (since August 2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Macedon Ranges votes, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, office hours and address.
Phone: (03) 5422 0333
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 54,464 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from Macedon Ranges Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Council meeting
Leave of absence for two councillors standing at the state election
At its 23 September meeting the council approved leave for Cr Kate Kendall (from 1 October until the result for the District of Macedon is declared) and Cr Dom Bonanno (24 September to 30 November 2026). Neither receives a councillor allowance during the leave.
What this means for you: The council says it continues to operate as normal during the leave, with councillor representation maintained.
- Have your say
Draft Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve Master Plan to go on exhibition
The council endorsed releasing the draft master plan for public comment from 5 October to 2 November 2026. At the same meeting it supported advocacy for a lower speed limit on Grahams Road, Lancefield, and adopted a new library services agreement.
What this means for you: You can comment on the draft plan during the exhibition period.
- Waste
Bin days and green waste vouchers move to the LoopedIn Councils app
The council's waste app has moved to the free LoopedIn Councils app, with a bin calendar, reminders, an A–Z guide and digital green waste vouchers.
What this means for you: Download LoopedIn Councils and choose Macedon Ranges Shire Council; the council asks you to delete its previous waste app.
- Development
Council restates its position on the Clarkefield Township Development
The council acknowledged an election commitment about planning arrangements for the proposed Clarkefield township and said its adopted position on Amendment C164 is unchanged: it wants further independent assessment before any decision.
What this means for you: The decision on Amendment C164 rests with the Victorian Government; the council's page explains its concerns.
- Election
Cr Cassy Borthwick elected Mayor, Cr Daniel Young Deputy Mayor
At an unscheduled meeting on 4 August 2026 the councillors elected Cr Cassy Borthwick (East Ward) as Mayor, after Cr Kate Kendall resigned from the office of Mayor. Cr Daniel Young was elected Deputy Mayor. Both serve until the mayoral election in November.
What this means for you: The Mayor chairs council meetings and is the council's main spokesperson. The next mayoral election is on 18 November 2026.
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted: rates up 2.75%, $16.2m of capital works
The council adopted its 2026–27 budget in June 2026. Rates rise by 2.75%, in line with the state cap, and the kerbside waste charge rises to cover a new collection contract and the EPA landfill levy. The budget adds more free green-waste weeks and a $16.2 million capital works program.
What this means for you: Your rates notice shows general rates, the $212 municipal charge and the $650 four-bin charge, plus the state's ESVF levy.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Macedon Ranges Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.