This time next year Macedon Ranges residents will be able to step into their new regional sports precinct, with stage one on track for completion by May 2024.
The sports hub extension will include a three-court sports hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure such as car parking.
Stepping onto the New Gisborne site on October 31, Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain and McEwen MP Rob Mitchell joined Macedon Ranges council to view the stage one progress.
Mayor Annette Death welcomed confirmation of the federal government’s stage two funding, which would unlock more benefits for users and the community.
“These new, modern facilities will ultimately mean that more people can actively participate in the sports and recreational activities that they enjoy, both now and for generations to come,” she said.
“I’d like to thank the Australian government for its support [and] … our other funding contributors… for helping us to get the first stage off the ground.”
Mr Mitchell said the project will be a ‘game-changer’ for the community, not just as sports facilities but as a venue for hosting major events.
“This community has dealt with overflowing facilities with families needing to travel out of their area for children to participate in sports,” he said.
Ms McBain agreed and said the project is a fantastic example of the benefits a community project can have for the whole region.
“It is estimated both stages will generate $59 million in regional economic benefits, including 23 direct and 11 indirect jobs,” she said.
“The full precinct will increase local participation in basketball, futsal, football, cricket and large community events [and] passive recreation, as well as an ability to host major regional events.”
The about $27.5 million first stage includes council funding, $14.8 million from the state government, about $343,200 from Melbourne Water and $100,000 from AFL Victoria.
The precinct will be open for limited use after stage one is complete, and the revised stage two is out for tender with construction aimed to begin in late 2024 to early 2025.
Council continues to advocate for $8 million in funding for stage three of works, which would include upgrades such as retractable stadium seating, a sports pavilion extension and cricket nets.
“A third stage would mean getting the most out of the space and expanding what is on offer,” Cr Death said.
