Have your say on the use of rural land in our shire

Published on 27 October 2026

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Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its draft Rural Land Use Strategy, a long-term plan to guide how rural land across the shire is used and managed.

Rural land makes up around 80 per cent of the shire and supports farming, conservation, tourism, rural living and local businesses. Council is encouraging residents to learn more about the draft strategy and share their views.

The draft strategy identifies where different rural land uses are most appropriate and how they can continue to support local communities, the economy and the environment into the future.

A key recommendation is to divide the shire into three broad precincts:

  • Agriculture Precinct – covering most of the shire and supporting farming and other rural industries.
  • Elphinstone-Taradale Corridor – including townships and surrounding areas where rural residential living is common.
  • Castlemaine Rural Precinct – surrounding Castlemaine, Chewton and Campbells Creek, with a focus on protecting bushland, biodiversity and significant landscapes.

The draft strategy also aims to:

  • Protect productive farmland, important landscapes, wildlife habitat and water catchments.
  • Encourage development in areas less vulnerable to bushfire and flooding.
  • Direct housing growth to existing towns.
  • Reduce land use conflicts.

The strategy was prepared with specialist rural and environmental consultancy RMCG and informed by community feedback, local knowledge, technical studies and advice from state and regional agencies.

Mayor Toby Heydon said the strategy would help guide decision-making for rural land across the shire for years to come.

"The decisions we make today about rural land will have a lasting impact on our communities, local farms, environment and landscapes," Mayor Heydon said.

"This strategy aims to strike the right balance between protecting what makes Mount Alexander special and planning for future growth”.

"Whether you're a farmer, rural landowner, business owner or resident, we want to hear your views and whether this draft reflects your vision for the future of our shire."

Council is seeking feedback on the draft recommendations and whether they appropriately support farming, environmental protection, tourism and housing opportunities in rural areas.

Community members can provide feedback online at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/rural-land-use-strategy.

A series of in-person and online engagement sessions will also be held.

In-person sessions

Castlemaine
Monday 16 November, 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine (next to Maxi IGA car park)

Taradale
Thursday 19 November, 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Taradale Public Hall

Harcourt
Tuesday 24 November, 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Harcourt Bowls Club

Online sessions

  • Tuesday 17 November, 12.00pm to 1.00pm
  • Monday 23 November, 1.00pm to 2.00pm
  • Thursday 26 November, 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/rural-land-use-strategy for session details and registration information.

Community feedback will help finalise the strategy and ensure it reflects local priorities and aspirations.

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