Macedon Ranges urgently requires more sports courts to cater for increased participation and population growth, a new study reveals.
The council’s recently released Regional Sports Hub Feasibility Study has revealed a current shortage of two sports courts and predicts this deficit will rise to 16 by 2036, if no new courts are added to the existing eight available courts.
The study suggests building a new 4-6 court indoor sports hub on the corner of Barringo and Hamilton roads in New Gisborne in the short term, as well as court expansions at current facilities in Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Romsey and Riddells Creek across the next 20 years.
The proposed indoor sports hub would be located on the same site as the netball complex and cater for netball, basketball, futsal, volleyball and badminton training and competitions and recreation classes such as dance and community events.
It would be dependent on funding from the council, state and federal governments, and cost at least $15.5 million in the first stage and another $10.2 million in a second stage.
Macedon Ranges council is calling for public feedback on the suggested hub’s location, design and staged works.
The Regional Sports Hub Feasibility Study was funded by the federal government and conducted by Otium Planning Group in consultation with a reference group made up of members of local sports clubs in late 2017.
In December, spokesperson for the reference group Megan Condron told Star Weekly the group was “really happy” with the consultants’ recommendations.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson has encouraged everyone to have their say on the outcome of the study.
“This study is about developing a shared vision with the community and ensuring that everyone benefits from what is proposed,” Cr Anderson said.
Feedback must be provided by 5pm on February 20.
To view the study and provide comment visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or a council centre.
