A decision to overturn the proposed development of equestrian facilities at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga has disappointed and dismayed the Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Professor Nick Sangster.

 

On Wednesday 25 May, Wagga Wagga City Council overturned its15 month old endorsement of equestrian developments at CSU. The Council subsequently passed a motion to adopt Equex as the preferred venue for the development.

 

Professor Sangster, who has oversight of the equine facilities at CSU in Wagga Wagga said, “While this decision is frustrating for Charles Sturt University, the big losers are the people of Wagga Wagga. They have been denied the opportunity for a world-class facility.

 

“The issue appears to hinge on the availability of $317 000 from a bequest which has grown out of a noble wish dating back to 1984 for equestrian facilities at Equex. The Equex plan requires land acquisition by the Council and is located on a flood plain. The Charles Sturt University venue would have incorporated the University’s Equine Centre adjacent to the Veterinary Clinical Centre. Our School also has 500 on campus and 200 distance education students who provide a critical mass of equestrian interest in Wagga Wagga.

 

“By forsaking the Charles Sturt University-based option, the Council has turned its back on the use of existing facilities at the University’s Equine Centre as well as an additional 19 hectares of land adjacent to the site that we had planned to make available cost free for development with Council resources.  It also fails to exploit our city’s advantage as the only regional centre in Australia hosting both veterinary and equine teaching facilities at world standard.

 

“Charles Sturt University has spent considerable resources in developing this proposal since the motion to support it was passed in 2010. At this week’s meeting, the Council estimated it had spent $8 000 on the planning for the Charles Sturt University site. Our bill is at least twice that figure.

 

“The School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University and the Council work on a number of common issues and I fear this decision has damaged that important relationship.  We entered an agreement in good faith to work on this project. This decision may shape our future working relationship with the Council,” said Professor Sangster.