STATE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE MASTER PLAN ON PUBLIC DISPLAY
A draft master plan for a $7 million state of the art equestrian centre at Caboolture went on public display from Wednesday, June 25.
Council gave ‘in principal‟ support to the State Equestrian Centre draft master plan at its general meeting on Tuesday June 17, to allow for public feedback. Council will make a decision on the draft master plan following the public display period.
The equestrian centre, to be located at Caboolture Showgrounds and Alexander Barr Reserve, will be a benchmark facility for South East Queensland and is likely to be completed in stages over a period of 10 years.
Council consulted with user groups of the existing facilities, including the Caboolture Show Society, while developing the draft master plan.
The master plan recommends stage one of the planned works to include a 3,200 sq m covered arena, a warm-up arena, seating for 1500 people, amenities and car parking. Future proposed works include stables, additional arena seating, camping areas, a cross-country course and additional traffic works.
The first stage of works will cost an estimated $3.7 million. Future stages are expected to cost $3.4 million, bringing the total project cost to $7.1 million. Council has already secured $1.76 million in State Government funding for the facility and will continue to seek additional external funds. Moreton Bay Region Mayor Allan Sutherland said the draft master plan was the first step towards cementing Caboolture‟s position as a key equestrian hub.
“Residents of Moreton Bay Region are encouraged to have their say on the State Equestrian Centre draft master plan,” Cr Sutherland said. "One of the key recommendations in the draft master plan is to upgrade our existing facilities to a level that will ensure Caboolture remains a first class equestrian centre for years to come.”
Moreton Bay Region Deputy Mayor and Division Three Councillor Greg Chippendale said the draft master plan details a facility capable of hosting state, national and international equestrian events in a number of disciplines.
“This centre will not only service a number of pony and equestrian clubs, it will also bring with it much wider gains for the region including economic, tourism and social benefits,” Cr Chippendale said.
Existing facilities include an indoor arena, five outdoor competition areas, more than 150 powered campsites and 200 stables and day yards.
The draft master plan for the State Equestrian Centre can be viewed at the Caboolture Central Library and is also available on council‟s website at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au from June 25 until July 23, 2008.
