A cricket pitch inside a football oval and upgrades to the grandstand are among changes to the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve (BMRRR) master plan, which was approved by Moorabool councillors last week.
The council decision reflects community feedback. Horse riding will be relocated to the south of the reserve, a shared pathway will be built along Bacchus Marsh and Balliang roads, and public toilets will be replaced.
Earlier this year, the council approved a draft master plan, which foreshadowed a $20 million makeover of the reserve, including four new soccer pitches, up to three cricket pitches, a rules football oval, four netball courts and a BMX facility.
BMRRR committee member Pat Griffin pleaded with councillors to adopt the amended master plan, saying Bacchus Marsh had been neglected too often.
“We need development out here to help address vandalism issues [at the reserve],” Mr Griffin said. “We also have issues with maintenance in terms of rabbits and weeds. The development will help eradicate a lot of these problems.”
Cr Allan Comrie said upgrading the reserve was a “golden opportunity” to do something for Bacchus Marsh.
Cr Tonia Dudzik shot back at Cr Tom Sullivan, who described the upgrade as “gold-plating”.
“We have a growing population and increasing demand … It’s been a long time since Bacchus Marsh has had any sporting facilities,” Cr Dudzik said.
The council will write to the state and federal governments seeking funding.
