Sarah Oliver
Moorabool council has given the green light to stages two and three of the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve master plan.
The master plan was developed with input from the reserve’s user groups, state sporting associations and internal council service units/
The total cost for stage two is estimated to be $14.49 million, with $4 million funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria to go towards a new active sports precinct.
Stage two will consist of two permanent soccer pitches, a central cricket pitch, perimeter fencing, sport lighting, coaches boxes, a second pavilion, new entry road, car parking for over 300 cars, a play space and perimeter tree planting.
The stage three plans include a main AFL oval, a community oval, sports lighting to both ovals, a third pavilion, additional road access and car parking, barbecues, shelters and seating, pathways and further perimeter planting.
Development for the two stages will be referred to a future council budget for additional funding.
Stage one of the project was mostly completed this year, with some projects currently in use by the public.
These include a new BMX track and equestrian cross-country course, the establishment of dressage arenas and a new sports pavilion.
Projects still being completed include a new multipurpose oval, cricket practice nets and a playground.
Site works were also completed which included car park lighting, sports lighting to the oval, reticulated water supply and sewer mains, site drainage works, electrical substation and upgrades, and equestrian and camp draft sand arenas.
There will be a final fourth stage which is estimated to cost the least of all stages at $2.09 million. The total cost for the entire project is estimated at $19.31 million.
