The Victorian state government has released a draft masterplan for Victoria’s Hanging Rock precinct that sets out how the site will be managed into the future. The masterplan follows on from the approval of the 50-year Hanging Rock Strategic Plan in 2018 and aims to show how the strategic plan will be implemented over 20 years going forward.
The strategic plan’s vision for Hanging Rock for the next 50 years states that “Hanging Rock will be renowned for its importance to First Peoples, its dramatic geological form and its wider landscape setting within the Macedon Ranges. The role of the Rock throughout history as a place of gathering, reflection and intrigue will be understood and celebrated. The re-vegetated bushland environment will enhance the secluded ambience and provide a habitat for native wildlife. Activities around the Rock will reflect its historical uses centered on recreation and education, and its State and national significance.”
Key features of the draft masterplan include a network of “songline’” trails that will mark particular places and views and narrate the site’s cultural significance; a new visitor’s centre with a roof of native grasslands, multi-purpose event and exhibition space and Traditional Owner ceremonial space; strategies for the reconnection and rehabilitation of the site’s Smokers Creek corridor and ecological systems; and the relocation and reconfiguration of sporting, picnicing and parking areas.
The plan was developed by the Department of Land, Water and Planning with Tract and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Djaara, and Taungurung Traditional Owner groups.
The draft masterplan is open for consultation until 28 February 2022. To view the plan and provide feedback, go here.
