Jill and Geoff Sinclair, pictured with Sandor, are pushing for a major equestrian sports facility in the Yarra Valley. 53292
By Kath Gannaway
A GROUP of Yarra Valley equestrian clubs has just three months to find a home or face losing a $245,000 grant.
The Yarra Valley Equestrian Alliance received the money from the Sugarloaf Pipeline Regional Benefits Grants in December 2009 to build two all-weather, outdoor arenas.
The Alliance is made up of the Yarra Valley Dressage Club, Yarra Valley Show Jumping Club and the Lilydale Pony Club.
Their nine-month search for a suitable site has been unsuccessful so far, but they are hoping a public meeting with representatives of equestrian clubs in the region on Tuesday 21 September, will come up with a solution.
YVEA spokesperson Geoff Sinclair said the 80metre x 100metre arenas would be used by alliance members and outside clubs to host equestrian events and rallies similar to those held at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.
“Hundreds of riders and horses go to Werribee every week from all around Victoria and Australia and a centre here would be not only a huge benefit to equestrian enthusiasts, but great for Yarra Valley tourism,” Mr Sinclair said.
The Yarra Valley has a high rate of horse-ownership involved in equestrian sport from pony club to elite level.
A number of sites have been considered but have been rejected because they were too small, flood prone, or already well-used by other equestrian organisations.
One which has exciting potential, according to Mr Sinclair, is a 50-hectare site in Argoon Road, Healesville, owned by Yarra Valley Water.
Yarra Valley Water operates a small enclosed sewerage treatment plant on a small section of the property, but Mr Sinclair said there was plenty of useable land which appeared to tick all the boxes.
“The grants committee has extended the grant period until December but unless a suitable venue can be found that suits local equestrian groups, and fulfils the grant requirements, the money will be reallocated to other projects,” Mr Sinclair said.
The meeting will look at the pros and cons of a number of proposed venues.
“We hope to be able to come to a conclusion that meets the needs associated with this type of facility, and that most equestrian clubs support,” he said.
The meeting will be held at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall at 7pm.
In the meantime, Mr Sinclair will be happy to hear of any sites, which may be suitable and available.
Geoff Sinclair can be contacted on 0418 319 339.
