Football Victoria has released its Facilities Strategy for 2025-2035, calling for improvements to facilities across the Macedon Ranges.
FV’s strategy plans to ensure football’s infrastructure keeps pace with the game’s ongoing growth, and plans to focus on delivering high-priority grassroots projects in three key areas.
These include lighting, with 55 priority projects to life 75 per cent of competition pitches to 100-plus lux level by 2035; pitches, with 70 priority projects to achieve 75 per cent of pitches rated good/excellent in 10 years; and amenities, which aims for 80 priority projects to ensure 85 per cent of player change rooms are gender accessible by 2035.
FV is calling for all gender facilities in Barkly Square Reserve in Kyneton, lighting upgrades at Dixon Field in Gisborne, and a pitch and lighting upgrade at Romsey Recreation Reserve.
Macedon Ranges council infrastructure and assets director Dom Testoni confirmed only one out of the three projects is making progress to meet FV’s strategy.
“The existing facilities at Barkly Square Reserve … include accessible toilets, changerooms and kiosk and are considered fit for purpose,” he said.
“As part of council’s proposed multipurpose facility at Barkly Square, the changerooms are being designed as gender-neutral to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all players and visitors.”
Mr Testoni said funding for this has not yet been confirmed.
Mr Testoni confirmed Dixon Field is currently undergoing a lighting upgrade, following a $200,000 grant from the state government.
The funding will go towards the installation of new 150 lux LED lighting to one soccer pitch, and is expected to enhance safety and extend playing hours.
“Designs for the project are being finalised, with the tender expected to be advertised in November 2025 and works anticipated for completion in early 2026,” Mr Testoni said.
Mr Testoni said council is currently undertaking a design project for a pitch and lighting upgrade on pitch 2 at Romsey Recreation Reserve.
“Any proposed future upgrades will focus on supporting ongoing use for the soccer activities and improving the facilities for all users,” he said.
He said funding isn’t confirmed, but a design and cost planning process is currently underway.
“Council continues to work closely with Football Victoria, local clubs and other sporting bodies to ensure community facilities are inclusive, sustainable and meet the growing demand for participation across all age groups and genders,” he said.
