Thursday, 24 August 2023
GOOD THINGS COME IN THREE FOR BACCHUS MARSH
The thriving Bacchus Marsh community is set to experience a surge in sporting opportunities with three state-of-the-art facilities under construction.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle today joined representatives from the Moorabool Shire Council to visit the three co-funded sporting precincts: 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. The Moorabool Shire 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 Andrews Labor Government (announced May 2022), on top of the Moorabool Shire Council’s $15 million contribution. The 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 Victorian Government committed $3.5 million through the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program to help deliver Stage Two of the Active Sport Precinct at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
The project, delivered in partnership with Moorabool Shire 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 Victorian Government, Moorabool Shire Council, and Darley Football and Netball Club, with $2.5 million contributed from the Victorian Government.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle MP
“It was wonderful to show Minister Spence the incredible projects across Bacchus Marsh, funded by the Andrews Labor Government. Bacchus Marsh is quickly becoming a sporting mecca in our region.”
Quotes attributable to Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Rod Ward
“It was fantastic to welcome Minister Spence to the shire yesterday to show the progress of some of our 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.”
