By Jessica Micallef
The Labor Party will invest $10 million to build the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct in New Gisborne if elected at the federal election.
The funding will help build stages one and two of the project, including a synthetic oval and natural grass surface ovals, four indoor sports courts, two tennis and netball courts, a multi-purpose community space, player and referee changerooms, spectator seating and a walking and cycling path.
Macedon Ranges council says the sports precinct is expected to support 68 direct and 93 indirect jobs during construction, more than 30 jobs once it is operational and $59 million
in regional economic benefits from construction.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters and McEwen MP Rob Mitchell visited the New Gisborne site on February 15 to announce the $10 million election promise.
Sports precinct advocate Helen Sankey said it was “great news” the project was being supported.
“It’s another piece of the puzzle for what is required to make this project a reality and we welcome the support,” Ms Sankey said.
“We’re always playing catch-up … we just don’t have the hours available at our current sport facilities to facilitate our growth.
“Our goal is to get an election promise from both sides of the government … we need to look at both sides of government, because without their support this project won’t be a reality.”
The $41.4 million project has received support from the Victorian government, AFL Victoria and the Macedon Ranges council.
Macedon Ranges mayor Janet Pearce said the sports precinct needed “federal funding to make it a reality”.
“If elected, Labor’s commitment of $10 million will enable stage one of the project to proceed,” Cr Pearce said. “We are hoping the federal government will match or exceed this commitment.
“This project will help us deliver on our shared vision for a regional precinct which can meet the current and future needs of the community and be used by a diverse range of groups and people of all ages.”
