Albury mayor Kevin Mack has challenged the equestrian community to bring out the heavy-hitters to drive a unified vision for its Thurgoona complex.
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He claims there is “no passion around the table” at the Albury-Wodonga Equestrian Centre to convert plans into ready-to-dig projects.
Cr Mack said council and the wider community wanted to see evidence of a united front about future plans for the expansive facility off Corrys Road.
His comments follow the announcement the council has allocated $20,000 for a master plan to drive a strategic approach to improvements at the site over the next decade.
A multi-purpose indoor facility is expected to form the backbone of those plans.
An indoor structure has been in the pipeline for 20 years with no discernible progress on the project to date.
Cr Mack said there was $100 million in State Government funding up for grabs for regional sports projects but he feared the equestrian community had missed the boat this year on the council-owned asset.
“It’s a regional facility that ticks a lot of boxes but they’re not ready to go – the money’s there but you’ve got to be ready to dig,” he said.
“You need heavy-hitters involved and a level of passion around the project to make it happen.”
The council has recognised AWEC delivers important recreational, sporting and economic benefits to the community.
In 2016 the polocrosse nationals was one of the city’s top money spinners, injecting $8 million into the Border economy.
Former long-running AWEC president and current committee member Bradley Hayden said the development of a master plan was an important investment in the centre’s future.
“This will be a critical tool to enable us to apply for major grant funding,” he said.
Mr Hayden acknowledged an indoor structure would not only be an asset for equestrian disciplines but as a multi-purpose facility for community activities.
“We would also expect the plan to incorporate additional infrastructure such as camping and stabling facilities, offices and clubrooms, and improved lighting on the main arena,” he said.