Mitchell Shire Council is calling on all parties and candidates contesting the 2026 Victorian State Election to commit the further investment needed to move the Greenhill Recreation Precinct from planning to delivery.
The call builds on a previous $5 million Victorian Government investment to support Mitchell Shire's growing community, including the expansion of the Greenhill Recreation Precinct.
Stage 1 would bring much-needed aquatic, indoor sport, recreation and community facilities to Wallan, Beveridge and surrounding communities.
The population of Wallan and Beveridge is expected to grow by more than 475 per cent. Yet the area still has no local aquatic facility and existing indoor sport and recreation spaces are under increasing pressure.
Council has purchased the land and completed the essential pre-planning work, meaning the project is ready to move forward.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the community had already waited too long for the facilities it needed.
"The Greenhill Recreation Precinct has been part of the vision for this community for close to 20 years. Residents are understandably frustrated that it still hasn't been delivered," Cr Dougall said.
"We welcome the Victorian Government's earlier investment to support our growing community, including the Greenhill Recreation Precinct. It was an important first step, but further investment is now needed to fund Stage 1.
"Growth is happening now. We can't continue to add new homes without investing in the facilities that help create healthy, connected communities.
"Council has secured the land and completed the essential pre-planning. We now need a firm commitment to fund Stage 1 and start delivering for Wallan, Beveridge and surrounding communities."
Stage 1 can be delivered through five different investment options:
- stadium with multi-purpose courts - $92 million
- regional indoor aquatic centre - $96 million
- stadium and gymnastics facilities - $142 million
- aquatic centre and gymnastics facilities - $142 million
- integrated aquatic centre, stadium and gymnastics facilities - $218 million.
Cr Dougall said the investment options provided all parties and candidates with a flexible pathway to support the project's delivery.
"Whether the first stage delivers indoor courts, an aquatic centre or a larger integrated facility, the important thing is that we stop delaying and start delivering," he said.
"This precinct would give local families better access to sport, recreation and community programs while supporting health, wellbeing and social connection.
"Delivering infrastructure early also prevents the gaps becoming larger, more expensive and more difficult to address as the population grows."
The Greenhill Recreation Precinct is one of Mitchell Shire Council's five priorities for the 2026 Victorian State Election.
Council is also advocating for Beveridge Train Station, the Hilldene Employment Precinct, the Kilmore Bypass and a public secondary school for Kilmore.
