By Oliver Lees
Macedon Ranges council has outlined its priorities for 2022, with four major projects highlighted as most essential to the shire as it continues to adapt to a growing population.
The four projects included stage two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, the Daylesford to Hanging Rock and Kyneton Shared Trail, the Woodend Community Centre project and the restoration of the Kyneton Town Hall.
The sports precinct has been a project of concern for council and the community for a number of years.
In June 2021, Star Weekly reported that the construction on the precinct was estimated to begin in April this year.
Those works relate to stage one of the project, but stage two remains without complete funding.
Council and community advocates have continued to request the federal government to chip in, but they are yet to commit to the project.
The shared trail linking Daylesford to Hanging Rock has also been in the works for some time, with a draft feasibility study tabled to council in November 2018.
According to the study, the trail is intended to become a distinctive experience for the community and visitors, with more than 4500 residents using the trail each year.
Macedon Ranges council mayor Jennifer Anderson said the project listing would support council’s advocacy with stakeholders.
“It highlights our willingness and ability to continue to seek out and foster, new and exciting partnerships with all levels of government,” Cr Anderson said.
A Macedon Ranges Residents Association spokesperson said the the overall $17 million funding commitment of council, with $70 million still required in external funding was “ambitious”.
“Disappointingly omitted is anything relating directly to the natural environment,” the spokesperson said.
“For example, [council’s] Biodiversity Strategy promotes seeking funding for implementing enhancements to biolink areas and conservation projects.”
Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council remained flexible in pursuing diverse projects across the shire.
“It is all about working together to bring new ideas to fruition, build a better community for all of our residents and our vast visitor population, and ensure the Macedon Ranges continues to be an exceptional place for locals and visitors alike for generations to come,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
