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Macedon Ranges councillors continue to deliberate the fate of a proposed world-class equine centre, after an attempt to dump it from the shire’s plans was temporarily thwarted.
Councillor Roger Jukes lodged a Notice of Rescission after Wednesday’s meeting, at which councillors were supportive of a motion that would withdraw council’s support for the multi-million dollar project, including $25,000 of budgeted funding.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson has called a special meeting on March 8 to discuss the issue, and an unrelated Notice of Rescission.
The notices challenge council’s decisions and prevent any action from taking place until the matters are settled.
Cr Jukes said he felt that the motion council had been prepared to adopt regarding the equine centre was premature and lacking the consultation and transparency representatives had promised voters during the local government elections.
He called for an investigation of the consequences the Notice of Motion would have if it came to fruition.
“Nobody had done that homework, to look at the full ramifications of what they were adopting,” Cr Jukes said.
The councillor, who is serving his third term, said he was disappointed by the lack of respect and consideration shown to the equine industry and the project on Wednesday night.
Work on the proposed Equine Centre started about five years ago.
A feasibility study and proposed full business case have attracted thousands of dollars in funding, including about $16,000 contributed by the community.
Cr Anderson said the councillors at Wednesday’s meeting debated whether or not there was sufficient support for the project, and the need for a fresh start.
“The Equine Strategy 2012-16 has completed its time as a strategy,” she said.
Eight of the nine councillors were in favour of pulling support for the project, with Cr Jukes the sole dissenter.
Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network spokesperson Tracey Robertson said members were investigating their options to convey the project’s benefits to council ahead of the next meeting.
Cr Jukes said he would also be appealing to his fellow councillors for support.
The special meeting is public and starts at 6pm on March 8 at the council chamber of the Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne.