Elsie Lange
After years of campaigning, promises and planning, the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) is finally underway, with Lloyd Group awarded the construction contract.
Stage one of the two part project was launched on Friday in New Gisborne, with Community Sport Minister Ros Spence, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges council representatives joining the community to celebrate the start of works.
Ms Spence said New Gisborne was one of the fastest growing areas in the Macedon Ranges, and it was important that modern and accessible sporting facilities were available.
“Community sport is not just important for our physical and mental health but it also brings people together, keeping Victorians connected,” Ms Spence said.
The project’s first stage was supported by a $14.8 million investment from the state government, as well as funding from council, Melbourne Water and AFL Victoria, set to feature a multi-sports stadium with three competition courts for netball, basketball, badminton and volleyball.
To support the development of local football and cricket, and foster womens sport, an oval and pavilion with female friendly change rooms will be built too.
The contract announcement was welcomed by Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson, who highlighted the precinct as a key project for the council.
“This new multi-facility sports precinct will allow residents to come together for a range of healthy activities and cater to team sporting needs—to interact, develop and build community cohesion,” Cr Anderson said.
Longtime campaigner for the MRRSP, Megan Condron said with more locals keen to sign up to play sport, the facilities would allow clubs to grow and give better access to competition within the ranges.
“For us it’s about having a home and giving our juniors a choice, so they don’t have to make decisions based on whether or not their parents are able to drive them out of the region,” Ms Condron said.
In a statement, the government said the project is set to create 68 full-time jobs during construction, and 23 jobs when operational.
While stage one of the project is fully funded, stage two still requires an extra $5 million on top of a $15 million campaign pledge by the new Labor government which council will seek from the state government this year.
Ms Thomas described local sport as an “integral part” of regional communities, adding that “growing towns across the Macedon Ranges deserve facilities they can be proud of”.
