18 October 2016…Regional Grants Scheme funding of $257,900 has been announced for the development of an international standard Cross Country Course at the Murray Regional Equestrian Centre (MREC).
The Royalties for Regions grant will provide a key training and competition resource for riders of all ages and capabilities. The Peel Regional Grants Scheme is administered by the Peel Development Commission.
Chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said the course formed part of the second phase of the staged development of Coolup’s MREC and the project aligned directly with Royalties for Region’s stated objectives as well as the Peel Development Commission’s Regional Investment Blueprint pillar of Tourism Excellence and Thriving Industry.
“The outcomes of adding the Cross Country Course will be noticeable in an increased number of events, increased membership, equestrian education, training and qualifications. It is envisaged MREC will become a contemporary national standard equestrian centre catering for all equestrian disciplines across Peel, Perth and South West and will serve as a catalyst for additional accommodation and tourism opportunities around the district and the Peel region.”
Member for Murray-Wellington Murray Cowper MLA said construction of the Cross Country Course at Coolup was an exciting milestone for the Murray Regional Equestrian Project.
“We are looking forward to a future of world-class events for the centre with a greatly expanded role for the Murray Equestrian Association. The new course will also provide a viable new training base for competitive riding, horse-craft, animal husbandry and other skills as the sport continues to increase in popularity,” said Mr Cowper.
The Peel region and its surrounding areas constitute Murray Regional Equestrian Centre’s catchment area which accounts for around 40% of all non-racing horses in Western Australia.
The non-racing equine industry in the catchment area is responsible for around $221 million of direct expenditure and $229 million gross value in the area annually and supports over 1860 catchment jobs. Additionally, the number of horse-owning households in the catchment area is expected to grow by almost 50% by 2026.
Shire of Murray president Maree Reid welcomed the announcement.
”The addition of an international standard cross country course will enable the Centre to better cater for, grow and harness the economic potential of its catchment’s non-racing equine industry. Growth in the non-racing equine industry complements Peel’s strong racing sector and existing and more intensive agricultural activities. This in turn stimulates the growth of compatible local and regional service enterprises including veterinary clinics, accommodation and stock feed supplies as well as encourages peri-urban lifestyle development,” said Shire President Cr Maree Reid.
The Regional Grants Scheme Funding will further assist with the completion of Stage Two, which sees $1,116,100 invested in the Centre and renders the proposed Undercover Area the only remaining component of the project left to complete.
Anyone interested in learning more about applications for the next round of Regional Grants Scheme funding should contact the Peel Development Commission’s Grants Officers on 95354140.
Media Contact: Andrew Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Peel Development Commission, andrew.ward@peel.gov.wa.au, (08) 9535 4140