Funding pledge for Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct

The Victorian Government has announced that it is to deliver $5.6 million towards the first stage of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

In New Gisborne yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced backing for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Precinct plan, which includes a new grass oval, a synthetic surface sports field accommodating AFL, football and cricket, a pavilion, new tennis and netball courts, outdoor gym equipment and play spaces, barbeques and a track for walking, cycling and running.

The new Sports Precinct will be accessible to local teams, with the Gisborne Bulldogs Football Netball Club, the Gisborne Rookies Junior Football and the Gisborne Dragons Cricket Club all set to benefit.

The Precinct will be spread across two connecting sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo Road and Hamilton Road, but will benefit communities from across the region.

With participation rates above the state average for AFL and cricket - and a growing local population - families in Macedon Ranges need new facilities.

Local sporting spaces are currently at capacity, with Gardiner Reserve hosting 20 football teams and more than 30 cricket teams.

Announcing the backing, Premier Andrews advised “growing up in country Victoria, I know how much local clubs matter (and) this investment is about making those local clubs - and this local community - even stronger.”

Image: The proposed sports pavilion at the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct. Courtesy of Peddle Thorp.