By BEN CAMERON
A CATANI horse enthusiast has grand plans to increase tourism in the area by building an equestrian centre on her 90-acre property.
Suzanne Lee has shown the Pakenham Gazette her business plan for Kiltie Park, an all weather equestrian and agricultural centre, a “first class, clean, attractive, well-run multi discipline equestrian and agricultural all weather venue”.
It would accommodate not only equestrian riding – including a proposed 25m x 60m outdoor riding area with lights – but provide a hub for training and education.
“The plan aims to enable and support the growth of both equine sports and those groups involved in both beef and dairy cattle handling,” she said.
“It would have huge community benefit.”
It’s estimated the centre would need approximately $590,000 to get off the ground.
Mrs Lee said Kiltie Park would also be a boon for the local economy.
“The closest indoor equestrian facility with a suitable size and surface to accommodate multiple equestrian disciplines is Werribee Park Equestrian Centre,” she said.
“There are no indoor equestrian centres within the Shire of Cardinia, or neighbouring shires, to accommodate multiple equestrian disciplines.
“This gap has been heightened by the recent sale of the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre to the mining company Hansons.
“Even if the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre were to reopen under new management, it could be assumed that once mining commences this facility would no longer be available to the equestrian community.
“There is a lack of facilities within the shire that meets standards for such organisations such as Riding for the Disabled.”
To read more about Mrs Lee’s grand plans for equestrian lovers in the area, turn to On The Land on page 56.
