What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
The council's direction is set by 'Shaping the Ranges 2025–2035', adopted on 22 October 2025. It brings together the Community Vision, the Council Plan, the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Disability Action Plan, with a yearly action plan and budget.
The Community Vision, written by a community assembly, is 'A regional community protecting the environment, supporting local businesses and caring for our people'. The plan has five strategic objectives. 'Our Places': connected and active places and spaces for everyone. 'Our Environment': rural and natural surroundings that are cared for and protected. 'Our Economy': local businesses and tourism that thrive and provide opportunities. 'Our People': a safe, healthy and well community. 'Our Performance': a council that is accountable, trusted and collaborative.
The 2026–27 budget, adopted in June 2026, plans $16.2 million of capital works and raises rates by 2.75%. The council lists more free green-waste weeks, a cheaper Hanging Rock annual pass, a 12-month freeze on some business fees, and more funding for food banks and Neighbourhood Houses. Works listed by ward include the Kyneton Showgrounds grandstand roof, the Woodend clock tower and Romsey Road footbridge, the Burke and Wills Track in Baynton, High Street in Lancefield, and the Hamilton and Barringo Roads intersection in New Gisborne. The council received 174 submissions over two rounds of consultation.
Underway now
Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail
Several sections due for completion around September 2026; later stages in designA planned 22-kilometre trail linking Woodend, Macedon, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek. The Woodend-to-Plants Lane section is open. In September 2026 the council reported construction on sections near Bawden Road and Macedon, design approvals under way for Macedon to New Gisborne, and planning and design for New Gisborne to Riddells Creek. Funded by the Victorian Government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund with the council.
Source: Macedon Ranges Shire Council — Shared Trail construction reaches new milestones
2026–27 capital works program
2026–27 budget$16.2 million of capital works, funded mainly from rates, with $3.0m of grants, $1.2m from reserves and a $1m loan. Projects include the Kyneton Showgrounds grandstand roof, Woodend footbridge and clock tower works, drainage renewals in Gisborne, road works in Lancefield and Baynton, and LED lighting at Dixon Fields.
Council position on the Clarkefield Township Development (Amendment C164)
Decision rests with the Minister for PlanningAmendment C164 is a proposed new township at Clarkefield that the Victorian Government is considering. In August 2026 the council said it doesn't support the amendment in its current form and asked the Minister to defer a decision and commission an independent review; it reaffirmed that position in September 2026. The council has published a community advocacy toolkit about the proposal. This is the council's stated position.
Source: Macedon Ranges Shire Council — Council calls for independent scrutiny before decision on Clarkefield
Planned / committed
Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve Master Plan
Draft on public exhibition 5 October – 2 November 2026On 23 September 2026 the council endorsed releasing the draft master plan, which sets a long-term plan for recreation infrastructure, accessibility and community facilities at the town's main recreation reserve.
Source: Macedon Ranges Shire Council — Council Meeting Wrap up, September 2026