GREAT news for Romsey sport lovers who use the second oval, with Labor and Annette Death confirming commitment for $620,000 if re-elected.
The announcement comes after multiple Romsey sporting clubs called for $2.8 million in upgrades to an oval, they say is struggling to meet demand, with inadequate lighting and drainage limiting its use.
The letter came from the Macedon Rangers Soccer Club, Romsey Junior Football Netball Club, Lancefield Romsey Little Athletics Club and Romsey Cricket Club.
In the joint letter, the clubs called for funding commitments to deliver permanent lighting, an expanded playing surface and drainage upgrades in the 2027–28 financial year.
Although it’s not the asking price of $2.8 million, the clubs were happy with the commitment and believe it is a good start.
“We’re grateful for any funding commitments towards the $2.8 million estimated cost, but we’ll continue pushing for the full amount. The lighting on its own is essential, but it makes logistical and financial sense to have the other complementary improvements to the playing surface, drainage and car parking completed together.” President of the Macedon Ranges Soccer Club Matt Bender said.
“Romsey Oval 2 is one of the only grounds in the Macedon Ranges without permanent lighting – it would mean more capacity for more teams to train compared to the small, bulky, portable light towers that we have to wheel out just to cover less than a quarter of the space available, but it would also open up opportunities for night matches and other events throughout the year.”
The ground, on the western side of the Romsey Park Sports Precinct, is home to more than 150 Macedon Rangers Soccer Club members, with cricket and Little Athletics among its summer users.
The letter also described sections of the playing surface becoming heavily waterlogged after moderate rain.
According to the clubs, a council-led design process has put the estimated cost of the upgrades at about $2.8 million and the proposed works would expand the oval to accommodate three soccer pitches of different sizes, including a full-sized senior pitch, while retaining its use for other sports.
They would also include drainage and irrigation improvements, new turf, fencing, car parking, player shelters and permanent LED lighting.
The clubs referred to population forecasts showing the Romsey district growing from 7,430 residents to 11,790 by 2046, an increase of about 59 per cent.
They argued the ground was already at capacity and improvements were needed now to accommodate existing users and future growth.
The letter identified links between the proposed works and the council’s Romsey Park Sports Precinct Master Plan, endorsed in 2023, its Advocacy Projects Prospectus and Football Victoria’s 2025–2035 Facilities Strategy.
Macedon Rangers Soccer Club has offered to contribute $10,000 through fundraising and work with the other clubs to identify further funding sources.
The clubs hope to have the upgrades completed before the start of the 2028 soccer season, subject to securing funding.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council have had there say on the oval and are happy to have any advocacy, encouraging local groups to engage directly with election cadicates.
The clubs have put forward a case for investment based on participation, existing demand and future growth in Romsey.
Council’s adopted advocacy priorities, master plans and other strategic works are informed by
extensive planning, technical assessment and community input and help guide discussions and funding opportunities with all levels of government.
With strong growth forecast for across the Macedon Ranges, it is important that investment in
community infrastructure keeps pace with current and future demand.
Ultimately, Council is seeking bipartisan support for local priorities and strong working relationships with whoever is elected, because delivering lasting outcomes for communities big and small, requires collaboration beyond any single election campaign.