Consultation starts for Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub

CONSULTATION is under way on the proposed Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub — and the community is urged to speak up.

CONSULTATION is under way on a proposed Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub.

The project, driven by Macedon Ranges sporting groups, received $100,000 in federal money for a feasibility study.

Winning a commitment from then-federal coalition candidate for Bendigo, Megan Purcell, the campaign had emerged after several sporting clubs and associations shared stories of turned-away players and full ­competitions.

The emphasis of the study, which is being carried out by Otium Planning Group, centres on identifying the uses, patterns and wishes of potential user groups.

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Macedon Ranges Mayor Jennifer Anderson said it was important for people to get involved.

“We are committed to working closely with all local groups, schools and the broader community to develop an evidence-based plan that identifies the needs across the shire and assists us in planning for suitable facilities in the right places,” she said.

Establishing a central sporting hub in the Macedon Ranges has been estimated as costing $18 million. No government or council land is set aside for such a facility.

Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub spokeswoman Tamara Collins said the hub committee had met Otium Planning Group.

“We are really intent on pushing female sport participation and hearing from dance, calisthenics, aerobics, circus groups – we don’t want to miss any organisation that is promoting sport and participation but battling with space,” she said.

While there have been some reservations on whether clubs would be prepared to move to a central location for competition, Ms Collins said the thriving regional netball centre in New Gisborne was already proving clubs, teams and families would travel.

“Junior competitions on Saturday mornings are full already,” she said.

“Hubs in the Macedon Ranges are a much better option than trips to Sunbury, Melbourne or Bendigo.”

CLICK HERE for more details on the sports hub feasability study.