The highly anticipated Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct (MRSP) is now open, after decades of advocacy and planning from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the community.
The MRSP’s over $29 million first stage delivered a three-court indoors sports hub, a natural turf oval with an adjoining sports pavilions, and other facilities such as a playground, barbeque facilities, and a fitness loop.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence joined Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and representatives from Council last month to open the facilities, which will host a range of user groups including AFL, basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball, and futsal.
Ms Thomas said the precinct in New Gisborne unlocked opportunities for sporting groups across the Shire.
“This new sports precinct ensures locals from across the Macedon Ranges have the modern world class sporting facilities they deserve for more people to get involved and have fun,” she said.
The new precinct is not only a boost for sport teams, but it will also provide new spaces for community groups to meet and conduct programs.
“The need for more indoor and outdoor recreational facilities in the region has long been identified in our strategies, so we’re absolutely delighted to finally have a new state-of-the-art facility that will benefit our community for generations to come,” she said.
“On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part to this point – from our funding partners and contractors, through to Council staff and community members who have advocated and shared this dream for such a long time.”
The second stage, targeted to start construction by early 2025, will essentially double the current sports hub capacity with an additional three courts, amenities, an AFL/cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts, as well as car park and landscape improvements.
For more information, visit www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/MRSP or www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure.
