Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has announced an elected Coalition Government will commit $3.1 million to further develop Scone’s White Park equestrian facilities.
Mr Joyce said boosting the town’s ability to deliver for the equine community will help increase visitor numbers and cash flow into the local economy.
“An elected Coalition Government will commit $3.1 million towards an impressive $3.45 million upgrade of the equestrian precinct,” Mr Joyce said.
The upgrade will focus on improving the camping ground within Scone’s White Park Equine Complex and include:
- Construction of a sealed ring road around the complex to access the camping grounds.
- Provision of power to approximately 70 remote sites
- Construction of a centrally located ablutions block
- The connection of water to each site.
“The improvements will greatly increase the appeal and capacity of the camping grounds and help encourage visitors to stay longer in ‘Australia’s Horse Capital’.”
The project builds upon previous Coalition Government funded upgrades at the White Park facility to increase seating capacity, provide a new canteen and office, as well as the campdraft arena.
Upper Hunter Shire Council General Manager, Greg McDonald has welcomed the Coalition’s latest funding commitment.
“The substantial upgrade will boost the viability of the complex while better providing for visitors staying onsite,” Mr McDonald said.
“The upgraded amenities can also be used to provide overflow accommodation for other events around Scone and will further enhance Scone’s reputation for world class horse facilities.”
Mr Joyce said the funding is part of the Coalition’s promise to “Get Australia Back on Track.”
“In this case, it also helps Scone maintain the “inside running” for staging world class equine events,” Mr Joyce said.
Mr Joyce has also had a win himself – for the fourth consecutive parliament, he has been named the ‘most responsive MP’. The honour is based on MP responses to correspondence and the assistance they provide as monitored by the Votergram service.
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