By Jessica Micallef
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct and the completion of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park are at the top of the council’s state budget wish list.
Macedon Ranges chief executive Margot Stork said the New Gisborne sports precinct was the No.1 focus ahead of the April 30 state budget.
“Council has already had a funding commitment of $11.6 million from the Victorian government for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct in New Gisborne, which we expect will feature in the upcoming state budget,” she said.
“Among our priorities are the proposed new shared trails … from Daylesford to Woodend, Kyneton and Hanging Rock.
“We would also like to be able to complete the Romsey Ecotherapy Park project, which incorporates the historic former Romsey Primary School.”
Ms Stork said $1.26 million was needed to complete stage two of the park.
“It will provide a unique, all-inclusive nature space for all ages and physical abilities to explore, play, engage with and discover nature,” she said.
Hume mayor Carly Moore welcomed a $1.14 billion funding commitment to upgrade Sunbury Road announced in last week’s federal budget, but said it was “simply not enough”.
“While we await further details on the specifics of this upgrade, we will also continue to advocate for the delivery of the Bulla Bypass, which is the long-term solution needed to address safety and congestion in the area,” she said.
“We can only hope that the announcement of a $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund will result in funds for local projects to improve our road networks.”
Ms Moore said state government funding was crucial to meet the demands of Hume’s growing population.
“People move to new areas like … Sunbury to create a better life for themselves and their family,” she said.
“Hume is one of Australia’s fastest growing areas – home to an estimated 232,700 residents in 2019.”
