YVEP Raises $1.25 Million from Local Community for Regional Equestrian Facility

On Friday, March 5th, Yarra Valley Equestrian Park (YVEP) submitted its application to the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

With the extensive and generous support of local clubs, stakeholders, community leaders and the broader equestrian sport community, YVEP has put forward a compelling case for investment.

The final total raised, without any public contributions, was more than $1,250,000.

If successful, BBRF will match this funding, ensuring an extensive $2.5 million equestrian and multi-purpose venue can be developed as an initial development stage.

YVEP Chairman, Geoff Sinclair explained: “The project will serve the needs of our local riders with new and enhanced facilities to enable the best of conditions for multi-discipline competition right through to international level events.”

“Extensive research and planning has informed our recent progress and ensured we are shovel ready. We are anticipating turning soil and completing the project within 12 months of a successful BBRF outcome.”

Independent economic assessments of the project have been completed and demonstrate the significant benefit this project will have on the local and regional community:

• $3.8 million annual economic contribution.
• 4 full time jobs during the construction phase (12 months).
• 24 full time jobs per year once operating (4 direct and 20 indirect).
• A total of 35,000 patrons per year across various events and site bookings.

This is driven by extensive modelling and analysis which predicts:

• 66 days of equestrian sport events per year, including Show Jumping, Pony Club, Adult Riding, Dressage and Western Rodeo.
• 176 days of Equestrian Sport bookings per year, including coaching sessions, riding for the disabled, interschool and junior clinics, and non-equestrian events and functions.

YVEP would like to acknowledge the outstanding support provided by the equestrian community and everyone else who contributed to the planning and submission.

Supplied by YVEP