Macedon Ranges mega-sports precinct decision a real game-changer

PLANS to amalgamate two major community projects into a $42.2 million Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct have blindsided supporters of the New Gisborne Regional Sports Field.

• Macedon Ranges Regiona Sports Hub push reaches key goal
• Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub before council
• Federal cash bid for New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields
• Clubs celebrate planning for New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields

PLANS to amalgamate two major community projects into a $42.2 million Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct have blindsided supporters of the New Gisborne Regional Sports Field.

A council decision will see the potential advancement of both the proposed two-oval New Gisborne project with the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub, featuring a four-court indoor stadium.

A successful advocacy campaign by the sports hub committee, on the back of a federally-funded feasibility project, culminated in the unanimous council decision last Wednesday.

Shire chief executive Margot Stork said the merger of the two proposals could maximise the likelihood of state and federal funding sources, essential to seeing the delivery of both.

But New Gisborne Regional Sports Field (NGRSF) spokeswoman Helen Sankey said representatives of her working group were not informed or involved in the merger decision in the lead-up to the council meeting.

“Our main concern is that we have spoken to both political parties and had some strong assurances from both sides of State Government for the NGRSF project and that funding commitments would be forthcoming in the lead-up to the state election,” she said.

Ms Sankey said the discussions with political representatives had also indicated the entire project could be funded in one stage.

“What has occurred behind our backs” will actually delay the NGRSF project, and definitely not in keeping with our goal to commence this project within the next two years,” she said.

Sports hub group committee member Megan Condron said the council recognition was a huge landmark for indoor sports.

“We are rapt that the council is supporting us at this level and it is a win for the region, not Gisborne specifically — sports and user groups across the shire have come together,” she said.

“By working collaboratively with an even wider group of users, we hope to attract the funding that will be needed.”

Ms Sankey said all NGRSF members were supportive of the sports hub, but the priority now would be meeting with council representatives on how both could succeed in gaining funding.