Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Members of the Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network fear plans to build a world-class equine centre will be scrapped by council.
Councillor Henry Bleeck has proposed that the Macedon Ranges Shire Council request the removal of the Macedon Ranges Equine Centre proposal from the Loddon Region 2016 Investment Prospectus.
His notice of motion for tonight’s meeting suggests council no longer refer to the Equine Strategy 2012-16 for strategic direction, and consider “any ongoing or partly-completed tactical initiatives” from the strategy as part of council’s usual budgeting processes.
Instead, Cr Bleeck’s six-point proposal suggests council consider “appropriate improvements” in facilities for recreational equestrian participants as part of its new leisure strategy, and support the interests of the shire’s equine industry “through appropriate future economic strategies and tactical initiatives.”
Story continues below document
Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network (REIN) spokesperson Tracey Robertson said Cr Bleeck’s notice of motion was a plan to bury the project altogether, “regardless of extensive support from the Macedon Ranges community, who wish to build a great future for the ranges and bring more jobs, education, training and prosperity to the region.”
She said the equine community and REIN members were not advised or consulted about the proposal and felt council was trying to slip it through without giving the community the chance to have a voice in the decision.
“This action by council shows a marked disrespect for the hard work and dedication shown by the Macedon Ranges community, which freely gave its time and resources to ensure the project has gone from strength to strength and develop a comprehensive and thoroughly substantiated body of information,” Mrs Robertson said.
Five years of work have gone into the project, including what Mrs Robertson said was “extensive and positive” consultation between the community and council.
The state government spent $60,000 on a feasibility study for the proposed equine centre, while Macedon Ranges Shire Council contributed $95,000.
The community contributed $16,000 towards the development of a full business case.
On its website, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council said the centre would be a multi-purpose venue, “designed to facilitate a number of events concurrently.”
The feasibility study suggests four options for what that will involve, with costs ranging from $29,280,500 to $40,102,250.
Story continues below document
However, council conservatively estimated the equine centre would bring in $9 million a year.
“And, if built, it would be a major driver for business development and employment in the region,” the website states.
A draft study for the project attracted more than 800 submissions. More than 95 per cent of the respondents were in favour of the centre’s development.
In its Equine Strategy 2012-16, which Cr Bleeck has suggested council no longer refer to, council calculated the equine sector generated an economic impact of $140 million in the Macedon Ranges Shire in the 2009/10 financial year.
The equine industry is also the shire’s seventh largest industry, employing 772 people.
REIN members will be present at tonight’s council meeting, which starts at 7pm at the Gisborne Administration Centre.
Cr Bleeck was contacted for comment.