Macedon Ranges Shire Council has released an updated Priority Projects Prospectus 2022, which highlights key projects for investment and provides an update on major projects currently underway.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson, said the prospectus illustrates that Council is continuing to plan and build for the future.
"These priority projects support our ongoing advocacy efforts and reflect the needs of our community. We have already made some terrific progress on a number of key projects identified in the prospectus, however, we still require a significant amount of support to see them through to completion and to get other projects off the ground," she said.
The updated Prospectus includes the following major project updates:
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) – Stage 2: a 15-hectare regional park providing facilities for a range of sport and passive recreation activities to support healthy lifestyles and social connection and will help foster strength and resilience in the community.
Work has commenced on Stage 1 of the project and the Australian Government has committed $15 million to Stage 2. Council is seeking $9.5 million from the Victorian Government to realise Stage 2.
The MRRSP has been put forward in an expression of interest submission to the State Government to be used as a training facility, location for sports exhibition and events hosting for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
"The location of the MRRSP being uniquely positioned between Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne makes it an ideal facility for consideration. Completing the project before the Games would not only provide a much needed state-of-the-art facility for the community and grass-roots sports clubs to use ahead of the Games but it would also attract national and international athletes and visitors to the region," Mayor Jennifer Anderson said.
Daylesford to Hanging Rock and Kyneton Shared Trail: the development of a combination of rail and shared use trails, providing the community and visitors with unique trail experiences linking rural landscapes, towns and heritage through the Macedon Ranges areas of Hanging Rock, Woodend, Kyneton, Carlsruhe and Tylden (then on to neighbouring Daylesford in Hepburn Shire).
The trail will attract between 4,460 and 6,690 annual visits from local residents and will also be an attraction for visitors outside of the shire. The initial feasibility study is complete and $3 million is now being sought for the next step, which is to complete further planning, permits, environmental and heritage assessments and land negotiations.
Woodend Community Centre project: transforming the Woodend Community Centre into a modern, flexible and sustainably designed centre that meets the identified needs of multiple community users and provides increased economic development and tourism opportunities.
The schematic designs for the centre have recently been completed for Stage 1, incorporating the library, multi-purpose meeting spaces, Council's customer service centre, the Visitor Information Centre and a small café to showcase local produce.
External funding of $8.1 million is now being sought for the construction of Stage 1, as well as $500,000 for the detailed design of the community hall/performance space and revitalised market space (Stage 2).
Barrm Birrm, Riddells Creek: A notable new inclusion to the Priority Projects October 2022 prospectus is Barrm Birrm, a 118 hectare open forest in Riddells Creek where Council is hoping to create a new protected nature reserve.
"Council has worked closely with the Riddells Creek community and we have collectively identified that the site has significant ecological and heritage values - protection of the native flora and fauna is our key priority. The fact the reserve can also provide the community with a space to gather and enjoy nature is an added benefit," said Mayor Jennifer Anderson.
Council is seeking $6.5 million in funding for public acquisition of the land and a further $250,000 to allow for Planning Scheme amendments.
Additional priority projects include:
- Lancefield Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre
- Kyneton Town Hall Reimagined
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Digital Connectivity and Communications
- Affordable Housing
- Mental Health Service for Young People
- Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study (East of the Shire).
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council Priority Projects October 2022 prospectus is available to download on Council's website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/prospectus.
