Elsie Lange
A Gisborne club and Macedon Ranges council are pushing for Labor to match the coalition’s pledge of $9.5 million for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) ahead of the state election.
Last week, Macedon Liberal candidate Dominic Bonanno made the big ticket promise for the last portion of state funding needed for stage two of the project.
His opponent, sitting Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas, has not yet made the pledge.
Gisborne Giants president Brad Gauci would like to see the investment guaranteed no matter who wins the election – he’s determined to put the pressure on.
“It’s important for the region and all the sports clubs and associations in the area. The project has already started and without that money it won’t get finished,” Mr Gauci said.
“Given construction has now started and there’s enough funds for stage one, to be short just shy of $10 million, and to not go ahead with stage two, would be devastating for all the clubs in the region.”
Macedon Ranges council is also calling on the community, sporting clubs, associations and representative groups to “mobilise their networks and advocate to all political parties” for the stage two funding.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said she was thrilled with the commitment from Mr Bonanno, but without promises from all parties, completion of stage two was “not certain”.
“The sooner we can secure the balance of funds, we can get the ball rolling on the detailed design, tendering for a construction contractor, coordinating all the necessary permits and approvals while stage 1 is being completed and ultimately, deliver this vital community infrastructure sooner,” Cr Anderson said.
“Our local families, businesses and community groups are passionate about getting this project completed—this includes having the facility ready for tournament, training and event purposes for use during the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
Ms Thomas said the government had already invested $14.8 million in the precinct.
“But despite having the money in the bank for three years, the council has barely started work on the project,” she said.
Macedon Ranges council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council was grateful for the money already committed to the project by the government, “of which $11.9 million has been received to date”.
“The funds to date have been vital in allowing for the necessary due diligence required of a project of this scale along with associated planning, design, approvals and community consultation,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“These things do not happen overnight and provide the strong foundations to a successful project.”
The first stage of the MRRSP is currently underway, which includes a three court sports hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Stage two will include three new courts, changerooms, cricket nets, a function room, additional car parking, a practice oval, outdoor multi-sport courts, additional sports pavilion amenities and more landscaping.
A sports precinct committee petition for Labor to match the funding was started on Wednesday, aiming for 100 signatures.
“(MRRSP) urgently needs a Victorian Labor Party commitment of $9.5 million to complete stage two of the project that will ensure critical sporting and community facilities can be delivered,” the petition says.
Details: www.change.org/p/macedon-ranges-regional-sports-precinct-9-5-million-victorian-alp-commitment-needed
