A $95,000 draft study has been conducted into the feasibility of an equine centre of state significance in the Macedon Ranges.
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The study is being released for community comment from March 2.
Commissioned by the Victorian Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the study scopes the possible size, scale and approximate location of the facility.
It values the estimated economic impact of such a centre being located in the Macedon Ranges conservatively at about $9 million a year.
The facility could include infrastructure such as indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling, yards, and exhibition facilities.
Macedon Ranges Shire mayor Jennifer Anderson said the draft study was informed by the five-year Equine Strategy and further input from the equine industry, including the newly established Ranges Equine Industry Network.
"Through discussions with equine related stakeholders to date, the consultants have identified a potential demand for a venue of this calibre in our shire," she said.
"Now we’re asking the broader community what they think of the proposal, including size, scale and location of such a possible facility.
"This centre has the possibility of being a major driver for business development and employment in the region, supporting local businesses such as feed suppliers, farriers, breeders and saddleries, not to mention those in the construction, machinery and tourism sectors."
More information about the project will be provided at two evening information sessions, which will take place at the Woodend Community Centre on Tuesday 24 March from 7pm to 9pm and at the Romsey Mechanics Institute on Thursday 26 March from 7pm to 9pm.
The draft report will be available from Monday 2 March on Council’s website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay and in Council service centres.
Community comment is being accepted until Thursday 2 April and can be provided by completing an online or written survey, or attending one of the information sessions.
Social media users are encouraged to join the conversation via the REIN Facebook page at facebook.com/macedonREIN, using the hashtag #macedonequinecentre
Written comments can also be submitted via email to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or by post to Equine Centre Consultation, PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444.
