The influx of development in towns in the Macedon Ranges and the increased interest in landmarks like Hanging Rock has residents concerned what makes the region great could be at risk.

Planning laws are often a dry topic, but in Macedon it proved to be the biggest election issue in the marginal seat.

During last year's election campaign, the new Labor Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas attempted to harness this growing community concern.

Her commitment to a Macedon Ranges planning legislation was crucial to her win in the seat.

"Further into the campaign, we put forward the policy of legislating to protect the unique character of the Macedon Ranges following the failure of Matthew Guy's local planning process," Ms Thomas said.

"The legislation would be quite clear on what it could and couldn't protect. It would ensure the community determines the characteristics of their town.

"We want to make sure we are protecting what makes it a great region."

The issue intensified last year as the community opposed low-rise tourism development at Hanging Rock. There were also plans for medium density developments in the town of Macedon.

The previous government promised to rezone the area in question to block tourist development.

The Labor government planned to go a step further and introduce specific planning legislation, based on similar laws protecting South Australia's iconic Barossa Valley.

With a host of small towns containing small schools, education funding became a key issue in Macedon.

Labor promised $11.5 million for a new site for Kyneton Primary School, $5 million for a training hub at Kyneton and to return TAFE to the region.

Ms Thomas said she looked forward to delivering the projects, striking a balance between the unique feel of the Macedon region while also building for a strong future.