Macedon Ranges council has a hefty wishlist ahead of the release of the 2022-2023 state budget, to the tune of nearly $37 million.
There are a number of projects it wants funding for, first and foremost being the final $5 million for the second stage of long-awaited Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.
“Council acknowledges the contribution from state government of $14.8 million towards stage one and the recent exciting commitment from both major federal parties of $15 million towards stage two,” council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said.
“Total funding of $21 million is required for stage two and council is seeking a further $5 million from the Victorian government to see this project to completion.
“The current and projected population growth and the conditions of existing sports fields in the south of the shire make it imperative that stage two is delivered soon after stage one in order to meet continuing demand.”
Council is also seeking $18 million in funding to complete its section of the Daylesford to Hanging Rock and Kyneton shared trail, which includes $3 million in planning funding and $15 million for construction.
“It is hoped the Victorian government will make a contribution towards what will be a great asset for the community with its associated health benefits, and a significant drawcard for tourism going forward,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Also on council’s agenda is the Woodend Community Centre, for which it would like $6.5 million for an upgrade to transform it into a “flexible, sustainably designed centre” to meet the needs of the community “and provide economic development and tourism opportunities”.
Council is asking for $5.5 million for Kyneton Town Hall Reimagined to deliver a “contemporary theatre experience”.
“… Capable of hosting significant events and performances, attracting visitors from outside the region to attend high-class acts in a high-class venue,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Council also wants $1.85 million for the Lancefield Kindergarten and Maternal Child Health (MCH) Centre.
“[The] project involves the building of a two-room kindergarten and MCH service in Lancefield to accommodate the increase in demand for both services in the Lancefield/Romsey area,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Other “priority projects” council seeks funding for include electric vehicle charging stations, digital connectivity and communications, affordable housing, mental health service for young people, the Woodend Golf Club Clubhouse, the Healthy Landscapes Private Land Conservation Program and the Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study (East of the Shire).
Elsie Lange
