Request for action: 

Mayor and Councillors of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, we the undersigned, petition Macedon Ranges Shire Council as of 22nd June 2024 to develop and provide a multi-use rectangular pitch within Woodend where junior boys and girls can safely train and play soccer / rugby / hockey etc on a weekly basis. The pitch must meet Football Victoria’s min current standards for junior competition, which include:
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A min playing area of 70m x 50m, with an additional min 5m buffer space.
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The Playing Surface must be even and flat with a complete coverage of grass. Either natural grass or FIFA approved artificial grass pitches maybe used.
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The surface must be free of potholes, foreign objects and protrusions of any kind through the surface, or any deviations that could behazardous to players or officials as they move across the surface.
Additionally, the site must also include a storage facility and some form of shelter (portable or permanent) for coaches and spectators. Ideal council sites for this development would be The Racecourse Reserve due to be developed under the Master Plan or Qualee Park as an alternative. See attached concept plan (to scale) for both sites*. The playing surface must be ready to be used by the end of 2024.

We believe that investing in this facility will not only benefit current residents, but also attract more families to Woodend, contributing to the growth and support of local businesses. We kindly urge the council to approve and prioritize the development of a multi-use rectangular pitch inWoodend, as it will greatly enhance the quality of life for all members of our community.

*The Racecourse concept is designed to be included in a multi sports development that compliments Equine and improve the current Netball, AFL &Cricket facilities at Buffalo Stadium.

Background information to request: 

The MR Sport Action Recreation Strategy 2018-2028 clearly states the objective is to ‘support the provision and development of active recreation and sport facilities, services and programs to meet the needs of the current and future community.’ (Soccer) ‘Monitor demand for local provision in Woodend. If demand eventuates, explore options in the long term for establishment of single pitches as training venues.’

The demand for a multi-use soccer / rugby pitch in Woodend is at an all-time high. An estimated 40% of junior soccer / rugby participants in both Gisborne, Kyneton are Woodend residents. Due to oval saturation in Woodend there is no sufficient ground allocation for soccer / rugby that meet the governing body(s) specifications. A rectangle sports pitch can be utilised by not only soccer and rugby but as an overflow for AFL masters training. The school sports ovals, including Braemar, are not of a correct size or quality to safely train and compete.

Racecourse Reserve Proposal – Multi purpose full size pitch, New viewing / function suites for AFL / Cricket, Netball / Soccer and Equine.