Equestrian facilities could be relocated from Woodend Racecourse Reserve in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s future planning for the site.
An ‘issues and opportunities paper’ includes two potential concepts that either keep limited equestrian facilities on the site, or relocate them elsewhere.
While no potential relocation site has been clearly identified, the council is now seeking feedback on the paper, alongside its Draft Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan.
Key user groups Woodend Pony Club and Riddells Creek Adult Riding Club feel they have been left in limbo.
Woodend Pony Club president Sharon Banner said few details had been discussed with the groups about potential options.
“We are very surprised and very disappointed at the implication in both of these documents that our grounds are unsuitable for equestrian pursuits and that we should be moved on with no suggestion of new grounds for us to move to and how that might be funded,” she said.
Equestrian facilities at the reserve include three sand arenas, a grandstand arena, 70 yards and cross-country course.
“We have multiple events on these grounds every month and they have recently been used by another club for several major dressage events with over 90 competitors who complimented the arenas and facilities,” Ms Banner said.
“In our 35 years at the reserve there has been a lot of money and effort put into these facilities and it would be a shame to see the pony club and adult riding club forced off these grounds.”
Riddells Creek Adult Riding Club was required to relocate to Woodend in 2008 from its previous home at Riddells Creek due to development.
RCARC’s Rebecca Beaumont said the club had little communication with the council about what could be another move.
“As a not-for-profit volunteer-based HRCAV club, we have invested significant funds and volunteer hours in the facility over the years,” she said.
“We have had no discussions with the MRSC about possible alternative grounds, should they choose to cease equestrian activities at Woodend. The lack of communication and transparency is concerning, who knows what the future holds?”
MRSC told the Express there were currently no preferred locations for potential relocation of equestrian facilities. Council suggested this was something that would likely be investigated further, pending the outcome of the current consultation and the progression of the master plan.
The reserve also houses Buffalo Stadium and is home to various sporting clubs and user groups including basketball, netball, pétanque, cricket and football.
Council said the opportunities and issues paper for the reserve had been informed by initial consultation that took place with key user groups and the community in early-mid 2023 to better understand current usage and future needs.
Consultation included an online survey, which received more than 60 responses.
Examples of potential opportunities identified for the area include new courts at Buffalo Stadium and outdoors, a second oval/new rectangular pitches, and removing some of the site’s existing older buildings to open up space and improve security.
Examples of issues identified for the area include the site’s heritage overlay, the limited car parking available for larger scheduled events, and the site’s tendency to become waterlogged during winter and spring.
Have your say
Feedback received during this consultation period will be considered by officers to help develop a draft Master Plan for the Reserve, which will go out for further consultation once finalised.
Feedback on the issues and opportunities paper closes September 5. Submissions can be made via council’s Your Say online engagement hub.
