New, fit-for-purpose netball facilities are another step closer for Kyneton, with initial works completed at the Kyneton Showgrounds to prepare the site for full construction.
Part of the endorsed Kyneton Showgrounds Master Plan implementation and a key deliverable in Council's Budget 2024-25, preparatory works for this project have included the relocation of Little Athletics facilities to a dedicated space near the bottom oval and selected tree removal.
The Victorian Government has committed $1.5 million towards construction of the new netball facilities, to be formalised soon through a grant submission, with Council committing ~$1.3 million.
Director Assets and Operations Shane Walden said the next steps for the project included finalising detailed designs, finalising grant paperwork and tendering out the necessary works, with construction strategically timed to start following the 2024 football/netball season.
"We're pleased to be progressing this much-anticipated upgrade, to provide netball facilities in Kyneton that meet the growing demand and expectations of users," he said.
"We will continue to work closely with key stakeholders including the Kyneton Football Netball Club, Netball Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria to finalise detailed designs and be shovel ready as soon as practical."
The new Little Athletics facilities – which were completed in early June in preparation for a new season starting in October – include a customised storage shed, discus cage and circle, shot put circles and two long jump/triple jump run-ups and pits.
Council will plant 10 new trees at the Showgrounds precinct to help offset the removal of 10 trees surrounding the netball court, to accommodate the most suitable location for the new facilities.
Arborist assessments showed the trees being removed were either nearing end of life or in a declining state due to their age, posing a safety risk. Council is exploring suitable opportunities to reuse the felled trees as part of the project for community benefit, such as potential furniture from the timber or mulch from the smaller branches.
Construction of the new pavilion will begin first and continue throughout 2025, followed by construction of the new courts. Netballers will continue to be supported with temporary arrangements throughout the 2025 season, with project completion targeted prior to the 2026 netball season.
Netball has long been a popular sport in the Macedon Ranges and according to Netball Victoria data, the region has a netball participation rate of 3.31 per cent. This is more than double the Melbourne metro average of 1.3 per cent and far higher than the Victorian state average of 2.1 per cent.
Council recognises the popularity and growth of netball and supports the many netball clubs, associations and competitions across the shire.
For ongoing project updates, visit the Kyneton Showgrounds master plan implementation project page.
