Maiden Gully fights for sports hub in fast-growing suburb
Maiden Gully's population will nearly double by 2046, but sports facilities lag behind growth.
Maiden Gully, a fast-growing suburb west of Bendigo, is racing to secure sports facilities before land runs out. The suburb's population has expanded by about 100 people annually since 2011 and is forecast to nearly double to 11,413 by 2046, adding 240 people every year.
The Maiden Gully Progress Association is pushing council to build a sports hub on a four-lot block next to the Recreation Reserve, arguing it is within walking distance of most homes. The council's long-term plan, adopted in 2020, earmarks land almost five kilometres away off Golf Links Road, closer to neighbouring Eaglehawk than to some parts of Maiden Gully itself.
Sports clubs say securing land now is essential. The area has added another 16 netball clubs and about seven to eight football clubs since 2017.
Local council says Maiden Gully already has strong provision of recreation facilities, but residents say they have paid rates all these years while other growth areas receive more resources.
- 11,413 by 2046
- Population forecast
- Golf Links Road
- Council plan location
- Walking distance of most homes
- Proposed site distance
- 16 netball, 7-8 football
- New sports clubs since 2017
Why it mattersSuburbs facing rapid population growth need sports and community facilities within reach, or new families struggle to find local clubs and play spaces.
AustraliaVictorian growth suburbs like Maiden Gully are under pressure to expand community infrastructure; how councils respond shapes livability for young families and sports participation.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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