The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it’s taking the next step in developing a Master Plan to guide the future of Woodend Racecourse Reserve, with more detailed proposals developed for community consultation.

Informed by initial consultation undertaken with key user groups and the community in early-mid 2023, an issues and opportunities paper has been developed for the Reserve including two potential concepts that either keep limited equestrian facilities on the site, or relocate them elsewhere.

The Reserve offers residents and visitors a variety of formal and informal recreational activities and is centrally located within the Woodend township.

In addition to being the home of Buffalo Stadium, it currently plays host to a number of user groups and activities including basketball, netball, pétanque, cricket, football and pony/riders clubs.

Acting Director Assets and Operations Simon Finlay said it was important to closely align progress on the future of Woodend Racecourse Reserve with the complementary Draft Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan, also currently out for community consultation.

“Woodend Racecourse Reserve is a really important recreational area for so many people – from regular users of Buffalo Stadium, to those who might go for an occasional walk or run through the area using existing paths,” he said.

“Whether you’re a local, a regular user or even if you’ve already provided feedback on our shire-wide plan for equestrian facilities, we’d really appreciate your considered feedback on these proposals specific to what is a key recreational site in Woodend.”

Examples of potential opportunities identified for the area include new courts at Buffalo Stadium and outdoors; a second oval/new rectangular pitches; and looking at removing some of the site’s existing older buildings to open up space and improve security.

Examples of issues identified for the area include the site’s heritage overlay; the limited car parking available for larger scheduled events; and the site’s tendency to become waterlogged particularly during winter and spring.

Feedback received during the council’s consultation period will be considered by officers, to help develop a draft Master Plan for the Reserve which will go out for further consultation once finalised.

Feedback on the draft paper is invited until Thursday 5 September 2024 via the council’s Your Say online engagement hub.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is preparing a master plan to guide the future management of the Woodend Racecourse Reserve and will continue to receive public input up to May 28.

Public submissions will close on 28 May 2023 at 5pm

The Woodend Racecourse Reserve plays an important role in the provision of sport and recreation opportunities for the community.

The council is inviting public feedback via short survey to help inform the development of the significant plan.

The reserve is currently the home to the Woodend Pony Club, Riddells Creek Adult Riders Club, Hanging Rock and Woodend Pentanque Club, and is also accessed by the Woodend Junior Football Club and Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club.

It was previously a racecourse, and previously home to scouts and little athletics.

Council has appointed experienced recreation consultants @Leisure to undertake the development of this plan.

There will also be further opportunities to have a say on the draft master plan once it has been developed, which is anticipated to be later this year.