Regional sports precinct project a step closer

Published on 23 October 2018

The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is a step closer after the Victorian Opposition made a $15 million election commitment to the project yesterday.

Both major parties have now made a significant commitment to the project, with the Victorian Government raising its initial $5.6 million pledge to a total of $11.6 million on Friday.

This comes on top of Council’s planned $10.7 million contribution and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria.

Council Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said having both major parties committed to the New Gisborne project was extremely pleasing.

“We all share the same vision, to develop a premier sporting destination for the Macedon Ranges,” Ms Stork said.

“Council has been working in partnership with local community groups and sports associations to advocate for this and we are really excited that we are making significant progress through these funding commitments.”

The precinct will feature a mix of state-of-the-art sports facilities and support a wide range of local sports clubs and community organisations; and also attract regional, state and other elite level competitions. The facilities will be spread across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo and Hamilton roads.

Council and the community is advocating for additional funds for stage one of the project from the federal government and sports peak bodies.

The precinct project could be constructed in two stages, with the first stage to cost approximately $31.4 million, and a future second stage at a cost of an additional $10 million.