EXCLUSIVE: COUNCIL TO BACK EQUESTRIAN FACILITY

TOWNSVILLE City Council says it has “listened to the community” and will oppose the sale of land at Bluewater used by equestrian groups.

The Townsville Bulletin can reveal council is expected to vote against supporting the proposed sale of state- owned land at Bluewater during an Infrastructure Services Committee meeting today.

The land at Endeavour Rd is a popular local facility used by the Bluewater Equestrian Centre to host events.

The Queensland Government received an offer to purchase the land from an adjacent landholder in December 2017.

Local equestrian groups rallied against the proposal during council’s community feedback process this year.

The North Queensland Reining and Performance Horse Club argued the sale would cause the centre to lose about 90 car spaces, a third of its camping areas and access to some riding trails.

In January president Donna Hudson said the club had invested time and money in the facility.

“In the last year there were 172 man hours and $ 2500 just to maintain the sand arena,” she said.

Mayor Jenny Hill said council had listened to the community and would not be supporting the proposed sale.

“This is a much- loved facility for everyone in the equestrian community and we have decided that council will not support the potential sale,” she said.

Division 1 Councillor Margie Ryder said council’s position was clear and now it was up to the Queensland Government to make the decision.

“It’s clear the community does not support the sale of the land at Bluewater, so now it’s up to the Queensland Government to hear their voice and reject this proposal,” Cr Ryder said.