Macedon Ranges Shire Council welcomes funding for key sports projects

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has welcomed funding for two key sports projects to revitalise netball facilities at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend and to progress the recently endorsed master plan for Dixon Field in Gisborne.

The $985,710 funding announcement for Gilbert Gordon Oval will see:

• construction of two compliant competition netball courts, with pedestrian circulation space and connecting pathways

• competition standard lighting

• combined players and scorer’s shelter

• spectator shelter and seating

• storage

• electronic scoreboards

• other community accessible facilities including a water fountain/bottle filler.

Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Jennifer Anderson notes “this announcement will mean better conditions for netball and will also encourage greater participation to the sport across the community. Training and competition will be able to occur throughout the year and not be impacted by the weather as it has been for so long.

“We know that local sport is such a big part of community life and we need to make sure that the players, their families and the clubs have the adequate facilities they need to make playing safe, fun and enjoyable.”

Council is contributing $330,000 to the project and the Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club will contribute $30,000.

As a part of this project, Council is currently reviewing the Gilbert Gordon Master Plan, which is available for public comment until 14th November. Council is also developing a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the proposed new netball facilities site to ensure that the location and design do not impact Dja Dja Wurrung cultural heritage.

Council also welcomes $30,000 funding for Dixon Field in Gisborne. This funding will allow preparation of tender documentation through development of detailed schematic design, plans and cost estimates for upgrading Dixon Field Soccer Pitch no. 2. This will include drainage, irrigation, a new turf surface and LED lighting. The project when completed will deliver a second full size soccer pitch at Dixon Field and provide important flexibility for training and match days.

The funding will also provide designs for a 5-a-side synthetic soccer pitch, which will allow new programs to be delivered and some all-weather training space.

The announcements are a result of applications by Council to the Victorian Government’s 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Image: Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club