$9.5 million pledge for Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct

Published on 03 November 2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is delighted with today’s significant announcement by Liberal candidate for Macedon, Dominic Bonanno of $9.5 million to complete stage 2 of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP), if the Liberal Party is elected later this month.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said the funding is really exciting news that brings the full project a step closer to reality, and would complement the generous commitment of $15 million for Stage 2 from the Albanese Federal Government via local Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell MP.

“Council and the community have been working really hard and advocating for a long time to make this key project happen.

“With many of our stadium facilities already at, or nearing capacity, having a brand new sports precinct based in the Macedon Ranges will mean so many of our residents won’t have to travel outside of the shire to enjoy community sport.

“The project will help meet local sports needs by providing improved access, social connections and health outcomes for the growing Macedon Ranges community.

“We thank the Victorian Liberal Party for this commitment and call on all Macedon candidates in the upcoming Victorian election to match this commitment to ensure this really important project can be delivered,” Cr Anderson said.

The MRRSP will encompass 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.

While stage 1 of the project is fully-funded, with works starting back in May, Council has been continuing its advocacy effort to secure the final funding required to make stage 2 a reality.

Stage 2 will consist of three additional courts, change rooms, cricket nets, a function room, additional car parking, a practise oval, outdoor multi-sport courts, additional sports pavilion amenities and further landscaping.

Council’s CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said today’s announcement was terrific news for the local community.

“The new sports precinct is a big ticket item for our growing community and we have been advocating strongly alongside the community for the funding to see it through to completion.

“Not only would the precinct help to meet community sports needs now and into the future, it would also be a major attraction for visitors and athletes coming from around the world for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” he said.