24^th May, 2005

Ian Morris,

Chief Executive,

Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

State Planning Protection:  Signage On Shire Boundaries 

Dear Chief Executive, Mayor and Councillors,

You may have heard that Mornington Peninsula Shire recently took a public position on urbanization by placing a sign at the Shire’s northern boundary which announces to traffic entering the Shire, “You are now leaving the Melbourne metropolitan area.”   The sign is attached to an existing ‘Shire of Mornington Peninsula’ sign.

The Association is writing to Council asking that signs which announce the values of Macedon Ranges be placed at key road entries to the Shire, and in particular, at the Shire’s southern boundary with the metropolitan area.

The signs could, as in Mornington Peninsula, be attached to existing Shire boundary signs.  MRRA suggests the signs could say:

You Are Now Entering

A Rural Shire

of Environmental Significance and Natural Beauty

MRRA believes such signs would proclaim the Shire’s rural status and character, and confirm Macedon Ranges is not part of metropolitan Melbourne.  They would also send a message to residents and visitors that Council is proactive in recognizing the sensitivities, and valuing the very special attributes, of this Shire.

The Association encourages Council to look favourably upon this request.