Equine divine

The City of Casey has released its Draft Casey Equestrian Strategy for public exhibition. Lucas Pisciotta, 8, rides at an event for local schools. 55496Picture: Kim Cartmell

By Bridget Cook
THE City of Casey is taking leaps and bounds to ensure the future equestrian needs of the local community are met.
At this week’s council meeting, councillors approved to release the Draft Casey Equestrian Strategy for public exhibition from today until 8 July.
Councillors also resolved to seek opportunity to include all the recommendations of this strategy in the next five years, in the five-year capital works program.
A regional equestrian facility, improved trail riding network and an accessible guide including maps for equestrian activities in the area are some of the key features of the strategy.
The strategy aims to provide a planned approach for the future provision of equestrian opportunities within the area.
The report states that one of Casey’s best-known activities is horse training and racing, but recreational and sporting equestrian participation also has a strong presence and defines the ‘country character’ of the municipality.
Casey is home to 10 community-based horse and pony clubs, eight private equestrian facilities and between 2000 and 2500 recreational horse riders.
Councillor Amanda Stapledon, who co-chairs the Casey Equestrian Reference Committee with Cr Geoff Ablett, said they were committed to progressing the strategy.
“I am committed to progressing the equestrian strategy and its recommendations as a matter of urgency,” Cr Stapledon said.
“It is important that we ensure equestrian issues are as much of an importance as any other recreational or sporting activity within Casey and that infrastructure such as horse trails are considered and incorporated into our planning scheme, especially given our current and future growth.”
Cr Ablett said the strategy was a great step in the right direction.
A short-term priority of the strategy is to undertake a feasibility study into the development of a regional equestrian facility, to service not only Casey but the wider region.
The report states that the Werribee Equestrian Facility is regarded as the state equestrian facility, but due to high equestrian participation rates in Casey, Cardinia, Yarra Ranges, Mornington and Nillumbik, a regional facility is needed in the area.
An improved trail network is another key priority, along with creating stronger partnerships with pony clubs and the installation of warning and advisory signs for both horse riders and motor vehicles.
To achieve the recommendations in the strategy, council estimated $2 million is required over a 10-year period, the majority for the trail network.
Copies of the Draft Casey Equestrian Strategy are available at www.casey.vic.gov.au or at customer service centres.