YOUNG basketball and netball players were all smiles on Friday as the announcement of new funding brought the long-awaited Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct one step closer.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has received a further $3.2 million towards its $41 million sports and recreation hub in New Gisborne.
The allocation builds on previous $11.6 million in funding from the State Government, as well as $10 million from council, and $100,000 from AFL Victoria.
The development will bring sports in the shire together, with an indoor sports arena, new outdoor sports fields with synthetic turf, and tennis and netball courts.
The funding pool will help deliver the first stage of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, including gardens, an outdoor gym, barbecue areas, a play space and a walking and cycling track.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas has called for an extra $10 million in Federal Government funding since the project was announced, which would fund the remainder of the development.
She has launched a petition to call for the Prime Minister’s support, which so far has just under 500 signatures. The petition says the precinct’s future will be uncertain without the funding.
“I’m delighted the Victorian Government has continued its support for our thriving community with more significant support for the fantastic sports precinct project,” Ms Thomas said.
“We know the Macedon Ranges is a great place to live, and the Regional Sports Precinct will make it an even better one – this investment will be great for families, children and everyone in our community.”
The latest boost comes from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
This is the first time Macedon Ranges has received Growing Suburbs Fund support, after the fund was expanded to peri-urban councils last year.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane said he was excited to see the precinct open.
“Every Growing Suburbs Fund project we support helps deliver vital facilities, creates jobs and makes a real difference for our fastest-growing communities,” he said.
People can sign the petition at www.mary-annethomas.com.au/campaign/fair-funding-for-the-macedon-ranges-regional-sports-precinct.
