Macedon venues score $1.3m towards upgrades & planning

The Andrews Labor Government is ramping up its support for community sport providing grants for new community facilities across Macedon.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that the Woodend/Hesket Football and Netball Club scored $985,710 towards the Woodend Netball Court Development.

This includes the construction of 2 competition standard, Netball Victoria compliant netball courts, lit to 200 lux for training and matches at the Woodend Netball Club. DDA compliant pedestrian circulation space and connecting pathways, combined player/scorer shelter, spectator shelter and seating, storage, 2 x electronic scoreboards and community accessible facilities including a water fountain/bottle filler.

Other venues in Macedon to receive funding include:

$30,000 for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council for Dixon Field, Soccer Field No. 2 Redevelopment Planning. This involves the development of detailed schematic design reports, plans and cost estimates for the redevelopment of Dixon Field soccer field no.2, including an upgrade of the turf playing surface, drainage and irrigation systems, development of a new 5-a-side synthetic soccer pitch, and designs/electrical upgrade plans for installation of new LED sports lighting.

$300,000 for the Mount Alexander Shire Council for the Taradale Youth Space. This includes the development of an inclusive and accessible multi-purpose youth space. Features to provide for ball sports, cycling, skating and scooters, as well as enhanced passive recreation, a new wombat crossing and refurbishment shelter.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 provided an additional $88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations.

This includes continuing the flagship Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, game-changing Female Friendly Facilities Fund and the popular Country Football and Netball Program.

Since 2014, the Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure.

It’s backed by the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, a Government initiative to ensure women and girls get equal access to community sport facilities across the state.

Initiatives like these are about levelling the playing field, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

A 2020 report by KPMG commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria put an annual value of $7 billion on the economic, social and health benefits of community sport and active recreation infrastructure in Victoria.

For more information about the Fund and grant recipients visit www.sport.vic.gov.au For more information about the fund and successful projects visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Congratulations to The Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club and both the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shire Councils – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Macedon keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.“

“It’s a great example of how the Andrews Labor Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians."