A proposal for a large indoor equestrian arena in Woodend is facing community opposition.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association has flagged its opposition to a planned large shed at the Woodend Racecourse Reserve for the Woodend Pony Club and other riding groups to use as an indoor equestrian arena.
Macedon Ranges council manages the crown-owned land where placement of a shed in front of the old Woodend Racecourse grandstand is planned by the pony club. Council is seeking public feedback until February 28.
Residents association secretary Christine Pruneau said the project appeared to be a commercial venue rather than a community facility.
“The Woodend Racecourse Reserve is not an appropriate place for this shed,” Ms Pruneau said.
She said it had the potential to take over public land that had high environmental and passive and active recreation values to serve a narrow range of interests.
“MRRA hopes the new council recognises the dangers of unplanned development and the sanctity of public land, and gives priority to the reserve’s environment, and the broader community’s ownership and interest, by not supporting this proposal,” she said.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said that council would like to hear what the community thinks.
“We would like to know whether Woodend residents believe a shed of this type and size, and the proposed usage, would be appropriate in this location,” Cr Anderson said.
“It’s important to note that under the planning scheme, this project would not require a planning permit. So this may be the only opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal.”
Pony club president Adrian Sisk said the indoor arena would benefit the community, with at least five groups showing support for the proposed arena.
“We see it as an advantage to the wider community because it provides a place for groups like Riding for the Deaf or Riding for the Blind to come and conduct their programs,” Mr Sisk said. “Most of the clubs that run these programs are private and very expensive and this arena could provide an alternative for those groups.”
Email feedback to dfrank@mrsc.vic.gov.au before 5pm on February 28.
