COMMUNITY support for an equestrian centre based in the Bega Valley appears overwhelming, despite the council stating its reluctance to help form a steering committee in the absence of a united community initiative.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A poll on the Bega District News website has registered more than 100 votes since it went live on Monday – in which 97% of respondents have said a centre for this region would be a good idea*.
In the business papers for Wednesday’s Bega Valley Shire Council meeting, acting general manager Wayne Sartori said such a facility has the potential to be welcomed by the industry and bring social and economic benefits to the Valley.
However, he goes on to say “without a clear community base or agreed collective view it will be difficult if not premature of council to form a committee.
“Such a committee would run the risk of not having the broad based support of the equestrian community.”
Sapphire Coast Turf Club president Robyn Bain contacted the BDN on Tuesday to reaffirm her organisation’s backing of an equestrian centre.
Ms Bain, along with several other equestrian industry representatives from this region, has been involved in the ongoing equestrian centre feasibility study being undertaken by Regional Development Australia (RDA).
“The benefit we have [at the turf club] is a considerable parcel of land,” Ms Bain said.
“As custodians of that land we see that it could - and should - be utilised for the benefit of the community in horse-related activities.
“We have $7million worth of infrastructure already, which is used 10 days a year.
“It’s great for us – as a turf club we are making a profit – but it is highly underutilised land that we feel could be better utilised.”
Ms Bain said the RDA feasibility study has been focusing on the possibility of a South East equestrian centre in either Nowra, Moruya or the Bega Valley.
“Moruya went to the Eurobodalla Shire to ask would they assist in preparing a business case,” Ms Bain said.
“Eurobodalla not only backed it, they went to Andrew Constance who said there was funding available if they could get a business case to him.
“If Moruya gets it then good on them, but at least we should have a shot at it,” she said.
“Everybody should put their case forward and let the best business case win
“We [the Bega valley] are not even out of the barriers yet – in fact we’re not even loaded.”
“For the benefit of the community we need to at least give it a go.”
[* Results of polls conducted on this website are not scientific and only reflect the opinion of those readers who choose to take part]
RELATED ARTICLE