Macedon Ranges Shire Council is asking its community, sporting clubs, associations, and groups to round up their representatives and advocate all political parties to commit on stage two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sport Precinct.
The council’s call comes after Liberal candidate for Macedon Dominic Bonanno, a Macedon Ranges Shire councillor currently on temporary leave, made a $9.5 million to complete stage two.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell has already made a Federal Government commitment of $15 million for stage two of the Gisborne project.
Macedon Ranges Mayor Jennifer Anderson said there was uncertainty on whether the funding was secured.
“Stage one construction is underway and on track to be completed late next year, but without the final funding required to complete stage two, the project won’t include a number of important sporting and community facilities and features,” she said.
“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.”
Stage two will include three additional courts, change rooms, cricket nets, function room, additional car parking, practise oval, outdoor multi-sport courts, additional sports pavilion amenities and landscaping.
Cr Anderson said the community and council have worked long-term to turn the 15-hectare regional sports park into a reality.
“The local community and council have been working tirelessly for many years to deliver a legacy precinct for this region; and we need everyone’s help to spread the word and call on all candidates to commit to supporting stage two if elected,” she said.
Cr Anderson said the facility needed to be ready to use for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“The sooner we can secure the balance of funds, we can get the ball rolling on the detailed design, tendering for a construction contractor, coordinating all the necessary permits and approvals while stage one is being completed and ultimately, deliver this vital community infrastructure sooner,” she said.
