Woodend community precinct set for transformation

Woodend Community Centre, in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, is now well placed for a major redevelopment thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today visited Woodend to announce a $50,000 Labor Government grant from the Stronger Regional Communities Plan, to develop a business case and master plan, in consultation with the community for a redevelopment of the precinct.

The current community centre and its surroundings are dated and need significant maintenance, no longer meeting the community’s needs.

Users of the centre, traditional owners, the wider community and visitors to the centre will be consulted about what is needed for the future, and how the centre can be transformed into a modern multi-purpose facility that meets the needs of the area’s growing population and rising tourist numbers.

The project will explore the costs and benefits of a redevelopment, and will review previous concepts to determine what is feasible and how to best meet the needs of the community.

The Stronger Regional Communities Plan is a state-wide program that supports rural and regional towns to invest in community-led initiatives that create economic growth, encouraging families and young people to live and work across regional Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes:
"There’s plenty of local support for a new Woodend community precinct, and the Labor Government is proud to be supporting a business case and masterplan that will capture the community’s needs now and into the future."

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
"The Woodend Community Precinct hosts so many important local services and events – but neither the facility nor its surrounds is meeting the needs of the community in its current form. I welcome this important first step towards a new and exciting future for this precinct and the Woodend community."

"This important project has been led by the community, who are passionate about the history and future of this town. I encourage community members to have their say on this exciting project."