Organisers behind the push for a centrally-located indoor sports hub in the Macedon Ranges are confident the concept will attract federal, state and local government support.
As reported by Star Weekly, residents have been urged to get behind the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub group’s campaign for a six-court stadium, as existing facilities are outdated and bursting at the seams.
The campaign’s detailed proposal also shows that accessibility to indoor courts in the area is poor.
The municipality is ranked 46th in regional Victoria, with one indoor court for every 3675 people.
Basketball Victoria and Netball Victoria support the project, which would include administration space, storage, catering and bar facilities.
More than 2000 people have joined the group’s social media campaign in just four weeks.
Group member Allan Spencer-Stewart told last week’s council budget submissions hearing that the sports landscape has changed.
‘‘It’s no longer just football, cricket and netball,” he said.
“Towns across the nation are trying to play catch-up.’’
Mr Spencer-Stewart urged the council to support the project in its upcoming leisure strategy, with $22 million available under a new state funding scheme.
‘‘This is not about one town over another,’’ he said. ‘‘This is about incredible collaboration … what we are talking about here is a region-building project.
‘‘For 100 years, the Macedon Ranges has had nine towns competing for infrastructure.
‘‘The best way to get around [the pressures of population growth] is to work together.’’
Following a meeting between stakeholders and council representatives, spokeswoman Tamara Collins said the group had been able to present a compelling case
‘‘The community support is clearly there,’’ she said.
‘‘We just need to get that in-principle support from council, so we can go to other levels of government and take the next step.’’
Cr John Connor, who attended the recent meeting, said the group had done a great job putting together a ‘‘terrific proposal’’.
‘‘Hopefully, we can help make it happen. You can’t let such a positive drive go nowhere.’’
Federal election candidates Rob Mitchell (Labor, McEwen) and Megan Purcell (Liberal, Bendigo) have also been involved in talks with the group.
