The long-awaited Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct (MRSP) in New Gisborne is now open, unlocking significant recreational and social benefits for the entire shire.
A culmination of decades of advocacy and planning by Council and the community, the MRSP's over-$29 million first stage has delivered a three-court indoor sports hub, a natural turf oval with an adjoining sports pavilion and other facilities such as a playground, BBQ facilities and a fitness loop.
It will play host to a range of local user groups and sports including AFL, basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and futsal, with facilities also available for hire for corporate or social functions to make the MRSP a true community space.
Victorian Government Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas were among those present today to help open the new facilities. They then toured the facilities alongside Councillors and Council staff, contractors, funding partners, primary user reference group members, other user groups and more.
Council's Mayor, Annette Death, said the MRSP was the largest capital works project ever undertaken by Council, with the first stage made possible with generous funding support from the Victorian Government ($14.8 million), Melbourne Water ($377,590) and AFL Victoria ($100,000).
"The need for more indoor and outdoor recreational facilities in the region has long been identified in our strategies, so we're absolutely delighted to finally have a new state-of-the-art facility that will benefit our community for generations to come," she said.
"On behalf of Council, I'd like to thank everyone who has played a part to this point – from our funding partners and contractors, through to Council staff and community members who have advocated and shared this dream for such a long time."
Along with the practical elements required of a modern sporting facility, the complex also features innovative design and environmental elements such as solar panels, water-saving irrigation systems and double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of natural light and surrounding views.
"Care has been taken in the design to make sure the facility not only fits with the natural surroundings, but also makes the most of it," Mayor Death said. "Where else could you be watching your kids play sports, or be participating yourself, and be captivated by the stunning backdrop of Mount Macedon?"
With the MRSP's first stage now complete, detailed design and documentation for the ~$17 million second stage is continuing and includes a terrific $15 million from the Australian Government. Council is also continuing to advocate for a final ~$8 million required for a third stage to include other upgrades within the precinct's master plan.
The second stage, which is targeted to commence construction by early 2025, will essentially double the current sports hub capacity with an additional three courts, additional amenities, an additional AFL/cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts and additional car parking and landscaping.
Visit the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct project page for ongoing project updates, or the Pools and leisure centres page for information on the current MRSP facilities on offer.
