The Macedon Ranges basketball community’s amazing community advocacy and campaigning has paid off with the sod turned on the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct!
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council announced on Friday the Lloyd Group had been awarded the construction contract for the three-court Sports Hub and the surrounding Precinct at the project site in New Gisborne.
The precinct will encompass a 15-hectare regional park providing facilities for sport and recreation activities. Stage 1 of the project consists of a three-court Sports Hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
With a total project budget of $26.14m for the Stage 1 development, it marks one of the biggest sporting infrastructure projects in the region.
Macedon Ranges Basketball Association president Tamara Collins said it was an incredible feeling to turn the sod on the Precinct and see the stadium commence works.
“It’s really massive for the basketball community – it means we can grow,” Collins said. “As our region is growing we’re finding it harder and harder to find court-space to run quality programs, so to have everything in one spot for all our programs going forward will be great.
“It’s actually unbelievable – we knew that it would happen eventually we just had to never give up.
“That’s the biggest message we can probably send to everyone – just keep at it as your community will get behind you.”
Basketball Victoria General Manager – Member and Community Services David Huxtable said the lobbying and advocacy efforts of the Macedon Ranges Basketball Association and the entire Macedon Ranges community should be congratulated.
“It’s exciting to finally see the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct commence construction after years of passionate advocacy from Macedon Ranges Basketball Association and the entire community,” Huxtable said.
“This has been the most thorough and successful community advocacy campaign we’ve seen in Basketball Victoria history.
“It’s a testament to the diligent work of Megan Condron, Tamara Collins and Allan Spencer Stewart and everyone involved in this incredible community to ensure this project remained a priority in the area.
“It goes to show the effect community groups can have on their local towns and sporting infrastructure when they work together – this is a phenomenal outcome and one that communities across Victoria should emulate when they start their advocacy work with all levels of government.”
Funding for Stage 1 of the project was received from the Victorian Government ($14.8m), Macedon Ranges Shire Council ($10.9m), Melbourne Water ($343,263.48) and AFL Victoria ($100,000).
Minister for Regional Development and State Member for Macedon the Hon. Mary Anne Thomas, Minister for Community Sport the Hon. Ros Spence, Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, Macedon Ranges Shire Council representatives, and user groups gathered on Friday to celebrate the momentous event.
Stage 1 of the precinct is scheduled for completion in late 2023. Stage 2, which will comprise three additional Sports Hub courts, a function room, additional car parking, a practice oval, outdoor multi-sport courts, additional Sports Pavilion amenities and further landscaping, remains contingent on further funding.
