In response to the Victorian Government's decision on the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan , which was submitted through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) and later referred to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee :
Council expresses its disappointment following the decision by the Department of Transport and Planning, under delegation from the Minister for Planning, to approve draft planning scheme amendment C161macr and draft planning permit PLN2024/219. These approvals introduce the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), facilitating the urban development of about 130 hectares in Riddells Creek.
The approved precinct is generally bounded by Kilmore Road, Amess Road, land to the east of Wohl Court and south of Frost Lane. This decision follows a protracted deliberation process, including a formal public hearing by the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee in February 2025.
Council resolved not to support the Amess Road PSP in April 2023, in consideration of relevant planning frameworks and significant community opposition, including a submission with 1,231 signatures. Despite this, the proposal was submitted by the developer through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program and ultimately referred to the Advisory Committee by the Minister.
At the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee hearing, Council maintained that the proposed development did not align with Riddells Creek's preferred neighbourhood character, or its designation as a distinctive area and landscape under state policy. Council argued the development would significantly alter the semi-rural character of the township and was inconsistent with community expectations for sustainable and appropriate growth.
While the site has been zoned for Urban Growth since 2017 under Planning Scheme Amendment C100, the submitted structure plan raised considerable concerns, particularly regarding drainage and infrastructure. In response to early submissions, the developer amended the Development Contributions Plan (DCP) and associated documents. A second public consultation was conducted between 30 July and 27 August 2024 via Engage Victoria.
Council also made a formal submission during this period requesting additional time to engage with Melbourne Water around drainage infrastructure. Council emphasised the need to complete a peer review of the functional design and costings for the proposed stormwater strategy and also review the risk under the General Environmental Duty. Council further requested that all incurred costs associated with these reviews be included as plan preparation costs under the DCP.
Despite robust community engagement and feedback during this process, the final approval – which Council received in a letter yesterday as a submitter to the process – appears to include only minimal changes to the original proposal, flagged as:
- a road safety audit to address traffic impacts
- updates to the Development Contributions Plan, to ensure appropriate funding for a new community centre
- upgrades to the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve (noting that Council is set to consider an item relating to progressing the Reserve's Master Plan at Wednesday night's August 2025 Council Meeting
- design guidelines for dwellings on small lots
- delivery of shared user paths.
Council will now be reviewing the final recommendations in further detail, to be able to better understand the decisions and to communicate next steps to the community.
Response attributable to Mayor Dom Bonanno, Macedon Ranges Shire Council:
"This decision is deeply disappointing. It disregards the overwhelming community feedback and Council's concerns about the scale, intensity, and character of the proposed development."
"While we acknowledge the site's zoning for urban growth since 2017, any development must be sustainable and reflect the unique rural character of Riddells Creek. This approval, with minimal changes, fails to meet those standards."
"Council extends its sincere thanks to the Riddells Creek community for their continued engagement, advocacy, and commitment throughout the public hearing and consultation phases."
"The approval of the PSP now means Council must facilitate it, however we will continue to hold the development to account in every detail, while also advocating for further support in the best interests of the community and Council."
"In the context of unlocking more housing, we also continue to call on the Victorian Government to establish a process to legislate the Protected Settlement Boundary for Romsey and Gisborne, supporting the sustainable development of these towns, endorsed by Council in May 2024 and July 2024 respectively."
