With state capital all but secured for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, attention now turns to the federal government and peak sporting bodies to round out the funding.
A $15 million pledge from Opposition Leader Matthew Guy last week now competes with Labor’s pledge of $11.6M toward the New Gisborne project which unites visions for a Macedon Ranges Sports Hub and New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields.
Sports precinct advocate Tamara Collins said the project’s recent attention gives hope to sporting groups struggling with near capacity facilities. She said expansion was critical to address demand of rapidly growing communities.
“This news is unbelievable – two weeks ago this would not have been imagined,” Ms Collins said.
Helping to lead a strong campaign from early days, Megan Condron said the community had been a “rolling thunder” behind the project with a shared vision and passion.
The precinct would feature indoor courts and a range of facilities, support numerous local sports clubs and community organisations, and also attract regional, state and other elite level competitions.
Any state or federal funding would come on top of Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s planned $10.7M contribution and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria.
Council CEO Margot Stork said the council was “excited to make significant progress” through recent state funding commitments.
“We all share the same vision, to develop a premier sporting destination for the Macedon Ranges,” Ms Stork said.
Council expects the precinct project would be constructed in two stages, with the first stage to cost about $31.4M, and a future second stage at a cost of an additional $10M.
Council and the community will continue advocating for additional stage one funding.
