Premier of Victoria Denis Napthine said the funding would be provided for the $588,000 Stage One of the project which will see up to six local equestrian groups located at the new Yarra Valley Equestrian Park at Coldstream.
“The Yarra Valley has one of the highest levels of participation in equestrian activities in Victoria, but local clubs are constrained by their existing facilities,” Dr Napthine said.
“The development of the Yarra Valley Equestrian Park at the existing Lilydale and Yarra Glen Hunt Club on the Melba Highway will be a major fillip to all of these equestrian clubs and their 800 members.”
The Yarra Valley Equestrian Park development is to be carried out in four stages with stage one, costing up to $588,000, including:
The construction of a large, all weather sand arena, including an external surrounding fence;
100 steel horse day yards;
Wash bays;
Water supply to day yards; and
Equipment storage shed.
Member for Evelyn Christine Fyffe congratulated the members of the Yarra Valley Equestrian Group on developing the Yarra Valley Equestrian Park proposal.
“The Hunt Club, along with the Lilydale Pony Club, the Yarra Valley Show Jumping Club, the Yarra Valley Dressage Club and the Yarra Glen & Lilydale Horse Riding Club have worked closely and cooperatively to achieve the shared goal of what will be a fantastic new facility,” Mrs Fyffe said.
Mrs Fyffe said it was expected the Mooroolbark Pony Club will also relocate to the Park from its existing facility at the Sibelco Quarry, Mooroolbark.
Member for Seymour and Liberal candidate for Eildon Cindy McLeish said equestrian events are one of the few sports where female and male competitors of all age levels compete on the same playing field.
“The Yarra Valley Equestrian Park will not only cater for existing members of the various clubs, but will also allow for growth and many new members, giving more people the opportunity to experience the joy of the various horse riding disciplines,” Ms McLeish said.
Cr Jim Child, Nationals candidate for Eildon commended the Hunt Club for its central part in the project.
“Without the foresight of the Lilydale and Yarra Glen Hunt Club in realising their large site at Coldstream could become a large facility, the Yarra Valley Equestrian Park proposal would not have been developed,” Cr Child said.