Works begin on $20m sports facility

One of the biggest projects in the shire of Moorabool was launched on Thursday 12 April, with a sod-turning ceremony to  mark the start of building works for the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve (BMRRR) in Maddingley.

The estimated  $20-million project will be developed over four stages and the first stage, costing  $4.8 million, will cover the construction of :

• A BMX Track
• Sportsground Development (2 soccer pitches and a multipurpose oval)
• Sports field lighting
• Cricket net practices
• Multipurpose sports Pavilion
• Carpark and entry road upgrade
• Paths and perimeter planting
• Relocation of equestrian, dressage and cross-country course
• Extension and construction of utilities to the site

Moorabool Shire Council Mayor, Cr Paul Tatchell, said the shire was one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria as young families were making the move in increasing numbers  into the shire.

“This is very much a family-based community with young children who often have to be driven to Ballarat, Melton and Melbourne for their weekend and weekday matches,” Cr Tatchell  said.

“Yet despite the growth in the shire, we have had the same number of sports facilities for the last 50 years. Council has recognised the dire need to align the demands of a growing community with the sporting and other facilities that are currently available. This tremendous project is a response to that.

“As a major multipurpose sporting venue, the BMRRR is expected to reinvigorate the community and its lifeblood as a host to many of the State’s key regional sports games and events.”

Cr Tatchell thanked the Minister for Sports, the Hon John Eren MP, a guest at the ceremony, for the State government’s contribution to the BMRRR. Of the $4.8 million costing for stage one of the project, Council contributed $4.6 million while Sport and Recreation Victoria provided the remaining balance. Under Sport and Recreation Victoria’s grants, the Bacchus Marsh BMX Track  project received $100,000 from the Minor Facilities Program  and the BMRRR Stage 1 Sportsground Development project received $100,000 from the Cricket Facilities Program.