Funding locked in for Sports Precinct’s second stage
Last updated on 01 November 2023
A second stage of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct has been financially secured, through confirmation of a 2021 election funding commitment.
On 31 October, Council hosted a site visit with Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain and Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, who viewed progress on Stage One of the priority project which is on track for completion by May 2024.
Following construction starting last year and builder Monaco Hickey taking on the works in June 2023, the first stage is progressing well to deliver a three-court sports hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
The Australian Government’s $15 million, alongside $2 million from Council, will expand on this first stage to include the extension of the sports hub with three more multi-sport courts, more amenities, a second AFL/cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts, more car parking and landscaping.
Mayor Annette Death welcomed confirmation of the Australian Government’s Stage Two funding, which would unlock even more benefits for user groups 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 to make the next stage a reality, and I’d also like to thank all our other funding contributors – including the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water and AFL Victoria – for helping us to get the first stage off the ground.”
The ~$27.5 million first stage – a revised costing from April 2023 – includes funding contributions from Council, $14.8 million from the Victorian Government (Local Sports Grant – Major Program and Growing Suburbs Fund), ~$343,200 from Melbourne Water and $100,000 from AFL Victoria.
The Council-managed precinct will open to the public with limited use following the completion of Stage One works. The revised Stage Two of the precinct is currently being tendered out for detailed design and documentation, with construction targeted to start in late 2024/early 2025.
Council continues to advocate for $8 million of funding needed to fully realise the precinct’s potential and secure a third stage of works, which would include other upgrades within the precinct’s master plan such as retractable seating in stadiums, a sports pavilion extension and cricket nets.
“The funding we have will still result in a variety of excellent facilities for the community, but a third stage would mean getting the most out of the space and expanding what is on offer,” Cr Death said.