Federal Labor Party pledges $15 million for new sports precinct

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Federal Labor Party to fund $15 million for Stage 2 of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct if elected in the forthcoming Federal election. This funding will come on top of the $14.8 million committed by the current Victorian Government, and $10.9 million from Council, towards Stage 1 of the project.

The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) will deliver a 15-hectare regional park providing facilities for a range of sport and recreation activities. It will be delivered over two stages with Stage 1 consisting of a three-court Sports Hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure. Stage 2 would consist of three additional Sports Hub courts, a function room, additional car parking, a practise oval, outdoor multi- sport courts, additional Sports Pavilion amenities and further landscaping.

Works are set to commence on Stage 1 next month with completion scheduled for late 2023. Stage 2 remains contingent on further funding of $21 million from the Federal and State Government as well as Council’s own contribution to proceed.

Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson said the funding announcement is exciting news as the new precinct is a key project for the shire and will provide much better access for community sports needs as well as improved social connections and health outcomes for the growing Macedon Ranges community.

“This new multi-facility sports precinct will allow residents to come together for a range of active and sporting needs - to interact, develop and build community cohesion. We’re very excited about the commitment from the Federal Labor Party to support this important second stage of such a significant project for our region”.

The facility is also capable of hosting competitions on a regional level, which will provide benefits to local businesses and have a flow on positive effect for tourism and employment across the shire.

CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said this is great news for the shire, as with the population expected to continue growing, current Council-managed stadium facilities are already at or nearing capacity for competition purposes.

“The new sports precinct is a big ticket item for our growing community and we have been advocating strongly for the funding to see it through to completion. We thank the Victorian Government for their significant contribution towards Stage 1. We are extremely pleased to hear that the Federal Labor Party will support this project if elected, and we’re very keen to now secure a matching funding commitment from the Federal Coalition Government to make this project a reality,” he said.

Council will also continue its advocacy efforts for an additional $5 million from the Victorian Government required to complete Stage 2.