Elsie Lange
Macedon Ranges Regional Sport Precinct (MRRSP) will go ahead, regardless of who wins the next federal election.
Last week the Labor Party announced it will invest $15 million to build the hub if elected at the next federal election, following last month’s federal budget funding omission.
This morning, the Liberal government matched the $15 million promise.
“The MRRSP will provide a fantastic community sporting facility for clubs, families and most importantly, our children,” Victorian senator Greg Mirabella said.
In a video posted to his Facebook page, Liberal McEwen candidate Richard Welch said he was “overjoyed” to announce the funding.
“I cannot tell you how much the local community, the mums and dads, particularly the players, how much they’ve been waiting for this announcement,” Mr Welch said.
“This is not a promise, this is a delivery. We can start the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct now.”
Longtime campaigner for the MRRSP, Megan Condron, said she was excited and relieved after the announcement this morning.
“I’m just ecstatic,” Ms Condron said.
“What’s been really beautiful about this too, is that all the community groups that have worked so well together, supported each other and supported the vision, it didn’t matter what sport, everyone’s doing it together, helping each other out.”
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell and opposition Cities and Urban Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Giles announced the funding at the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex last week.
“For too long our community has dealt with overflowing facilities with so many families needing to travel out of the area for children to participate in sports,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Rapid growth in population and female participation has put a huge strain on clubs and competitions because the facilities are not there to meet the community’s needs.”
The pledges are set to fund sports hub courts, a function room, additional new car parking, a new practice oval, outdoor multi-sport courts, sports pavilion amenities and landscaping.
The $15 million funding would be in addition to the $14.8 million committed by the state government for stage one of the project, to begin in May.
Ms Condron said the hub would address the lack of sporting infrastructure in the region, which impacts opportunities for women and girls.
“[I’m] relieved the next generation don’t have to make choices and drive out of the shire and have waitlists, everyone has an equal opportunity to try multiple sports,” Ms Condron said.
“Doesn’t matter if they’re male or female.”
