WPNEC to receive $500,000 funding from Sport Australia for new multi-purpose arena and amenities
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre (WPNEC) is to receive funding of $500,000 from Sport Australia to develop a new, large multi-purpose sand and fibre arena and supporting amenities.
Equestrian Victoria (EV) successfully applied for the grant on behalf of WPNEC through the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program.
EV Chair Carl Parkin said the grant would provide a greatly needed boost to the equestrian community.
“This will enable an immediate upgrade of WPNEC’s arenas and amenities and help to maintain its status as the premier equestrian facility in Victoria,” he said.
WPNEC Chair Suzie Batten said, “This is great news for Werribee Park and will support our plans to upgrade the facility, ensuring it can continue to cater for a wide range of disciplines from grass roots participation to high performance and Olympic level sport.”
The precise details and location of the new arenas within WPNEC are under review in light of the master plan that is also currently being developed by Timothy Court & Co, thanks to funding from Sport & Recreation Victoria. The master plan is progressing well and is targeted for release early in the second half of 2019.
Mr Parkin said “As the state body for equestrian sport, Equestrian Victoria is delighted to support our state equestrian facility in this way.
“This is entirely consistent with EV’s strategic plan, which includes a commitment to providing strong facility oversight and taking a proactive approach to growing and enhancing Victoria’s equestrian sporting facilities.
“Research undertaken by EV in 2018 confirmed the Victorian equestrian community's commitment to Werribee Park and highlighted the need for the facility to be upgraded to meet community needs and expectations.”
The Community Infrastructure Grant program aims to ensure more Australians have access to quality sport infrastructure, encouraging greater community participation in sport and physical activity. Equestrian Victoria acknowledged the support of the Sport Australia and the Federal Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, in providing the grant.
The project will be overseen by Equestrian Victoria through the establishment of a new WPNEC Development Committee, led by Suzie Batten.
Mrs Batten thanked the team who contributed to the comprehensive funding application and pledged funding to support it.
“We have consulted extensively with a wide range of equestrian and other stakeholders, from both EV and non-EV disciplines, to develop this grant application and the broader master plan.
“The equestrian community’s input and enthusiasm on both these projects has been extremely encouraging. When we launch the master plan there will be further opportunities to contribute and get involved.
“This is a very exciting opportunity and we look forward to working with everyone to ensure its successful implementation, delivering a great outcome for our equestrian community.”
For further information, please contact
- Matthew Brown, CEO Equestrian Victoria: [email protected]
- Suzie Batten, WPNEC Chair: [email protected]
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