THE Central West is set to become one of the nation’s equestrian centres following the announcement the NSW state government is funding a new facility worth $1.5 million within the Blayney Showground.
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To be built at the northern edge of the showground, replacing the current cattle pavilion and the single-sand arena, the Central West Equestrian and Livestock Centre has been funded by the NSW government’s Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund.
The multipurpose, covered arena will include the construction of a steel-framed roofed shed 80 metres long and 50 metres wide, the construction of a new sand arena and base, rainwater reticulation infrastructure, lighting and other associated works.
President of Central West Dressage Beth Maclean said that the centre will make all the difference for the club.
“We’ll be able to hold state and national competitions here in Blayney without ever having to worry about the conditions,” she said.
“There will be riders here that range from novices all the way up to Olympic quality. It’s a dream.”
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said that the centre would create jobs, increase tourism and provide a significant boost to the local economy.
There will be riders here that range from novices all the way up to Olympic quality. It’s a dream.
- Central West Dressage President Beth Maclean
“This is a unique project, providing great value for the region. This is the only publicly accessible multipurpose covered area facility in NSW and supports the growing tourism sector in the Central Western region,” he said.
For Jo Copelin from the Carcoar and District Pony Club, the new facility will mean the club will no longer have to cancel events because of bad weather.
“Out here during winter we have misty rain and snow and soon no matter what the conditions are, we can hold an event,” she said.
“There are so many children looking for a club like ours to help with their riding, and now they’ll be able to come along at any time with their instructors.”
Andre Riphagen from the Orange Equestrian Club has been a part of the planning for the centre since the concept first started to take shape.
“It will always be available and even of an evening during winter, riders can come and practice jumping for a few hours when it’s dark outside,” he said.