Sporting clubs are crying out for federal funding to complete the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct as local facilities overflow.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council seeks $21 million for stage two of the project that’s been years in demand.
While there was no mention of the sports precinct in the Federal Budget handed down last week, there is still hope for campaign commitments from both major parties.
Community campaigner Tamara Collins said lobbying had engaged current MPs and federal election candidates but the community now wanted action.
“We have been given a sympathetic ear, however, after almost six years of campaigning, photo opportunities and positive noise, we actually need our federal candidates to make guaranteed election commitments to fund this project,” she said.
Ms Collins said localsporting competitions had no way of growing and current ovals were at capacity.
“The current stage one plan does not include change rooms, which dramatically changes what competitions can be played at the sports hub,” she said.
“The exclusion of one footy oval means the development of footy and cricket competitions cannot happen, which impacts female footy in particular … where do these teams train, how do clubs hold home games all together?
“Infrastructure in our region is not keeping up with development…and the cost of the project continues to rise every year nothing is done.”
User groups have reported modifying or reducing their programs with inability to access facilities at the frequency and duration required.
Residents have also been forced to travel to other regions for competitive sports to suit their age group or standard.
Council’s director of assets and operations, Shane Walden, said population growth and increased popularity of winter sports such as AFL and soccer had contributed to the demand.
“These issues have been known since planning began for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct. However, they have become more prominent in recent years,” he told the Express.
“Council-managed stadium facilities are at, or nearing, capacity for competition purposes.
“The existing twin-court stadium in Gisborne, built in 2015, hit peak period capacity within two years of being built.”
MRSC’s 2009 Indoor Sports Facilities Feasibility Study identified the need for development of additional indoor stadium facilities. So too did the New Gisborne Sports Field Feasibility Study and concept plan in 2017.
NEED NOW URGENT
The new sports precinct is expected to alleviate pressure on sportsgrounds while improving access and providing for projected population needs.
It also has the potential to increase opportunities for development and training, and increase pathways for high-performing athletes.
Mr Walden said the need was urgent.
“The current and projected population growth and the conditions of existing sports fields in the south of the shire make this a very important project to deliver now,” he said.
“It will be imperative that stage two is delivered soon after stage one in order to meet continuing demand.”
He said community benefits would be far-reaching.
“From an economic and community development perspective, the facility is 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.”
NEXT STEPS
The sports precinct was originally expected to be complete by March 2023.
Currently, only stage one is funded and this is scheduled for completion in late 2023 and due to be open in early 2024.
So far, the Victorian Government has committed $11.6M to stage one of the project, in addition to the council’s $10.9M contribution and $100,000 from AFL Victoria.
The council and community is now lobbying for funding of $15M federal and $5M state. The council would contribute $1M towards the project, subject to approval.
All eyes are now on the federal election.
