Community Sports Minister tours upcoming facilities

Moorabool mayor Rod Ward, Eureka MP Michaela Settle and Community Sports Minister Ros Spence. (Provided)

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence and Eureka MP Michaela Settle joined Moorabool council representatives to tour co-funded sporting precincts under development in the community.

On Thursday, August 24 the delegation visited the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC), the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Reserve, and the Darley Park Community and Sports Centre.

Currently in its first construction phase, Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) will soon offer four indoor sports courts, modern change rooms, versatile meeting spaces, and vibrant community areas.

Council has contributed almost $15 million, and the Victorian Government $1.92 million, for stage one of the stadium build. The Victorian Government, as part of the 2023-24 State Budget, has allocated $2.9 million for the second stage of the MARC facilities, which will construct a dedicated bowls and community hub.

The proposed third stage of the MARC development will be the indoor pool complex build, propelled by a $10 million investment from the state government announced last May, on top of the council’s $15 million contribution.

Council has advocated to the Federal Government for $15 million for the last portion of the MARC.

Works on the new AFL oval, soccer pitch, and all-abilities playground at the Bacchus Marsh

Racecourse Reserve are also underway.

The state government committed $3.5 million to help deliver Stage Two of the Active Sport Precinct at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve.

The project, delivered in partnership with council, will provide a new AFL and

cricket oval with perimeter fencing, two netball and two tennis hardcourts with lighting, soccer

pitch, and an all-abilities adventure playground.

The Darley Community and Sports Centre is a $4.1 million project funded by the state government, council, and Darley Football and Netball Club.

Eureka MP Michaela Settle said It was wonderful to show Minister Spence the “incredible” projects across Bacchus Marsh.

“Bacchus Marsh is quickly becoming a sporting mecca in our region,” she said.

Moorabool mayor Rod Ward said it was fantastic to welcome Minister Spence to the shire yesterday to show the progress of some of the shire’s exciting developments.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming sporting groups to both the indoor stadium and the new parts of BMRRR soon – both state of the art facilities that will be able to host an array of different sports and be fantastic community facilities,” he said.