• Construction has started on $1,265,000 Riverina Equestrian Centre Stage Two at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga
• Start of construction was officially marked with first sod turning on Friday 4 September
• In attendance was The Hon. Mr Wes Fang, MLC; Charles Sturt University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Germov; Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey; and President of the Riverina Equestrian Association, Mr Michael Lucas

The first sod has been turned and construction has begun on the Riverina Equestrian Centre Stage Two at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

The $1,265,000 project is funded by a $1 million Infrastructure NSW Restart Grant (Regional Growth – Environmental and Tourism Fund), $250,000 from Charles Sturt Strategic Initiatives, and $15,000 from Riverina Equestrian Association (REA).

The Charles Sturt University Riverina Equestrian Centre (REC) is a community facility, located adjacent to the University’s Veterinary Clinical Centre on Agricultural Avenue in Wagga Wagga, maintained by REA Clubs, funded by hire/usage fees, and managed by Charles Sturt.

Stage Two of the project will include the construction of 20 covered stables with power, lighting and water, 60 uncovered day yards with power and water, 20 campsites with power and water and parking to cater for all types of horse vehicles, with all-weather access roads and civil works and potential for future expansion.

The finished facility is expected to produce an increase in visitor spending of $750,000 per year, an increase in major events by 15 per cent per year, an increase in training clinics by 160 per cent per year, and an increase of six full-time employment roles.

In attendance at the turning of the first sod on Friday 4 September was Charles Sturt University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) The Hon. Mr Wes Fang, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Greg Conkey, and President of the Riverina Equestrian Association Mr Michael Lucas.

Professor Germov said this project was a collaborative effort that will offer state-of-the-art equine facilities for the community.

“The Riverina Equestrian Centre at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga is of great benefit to the University’s students and the wider community,” he said.

“This next phase enhances the capacity of the University and its partners to deliver quality care for animals and teaching opportunities for students.”

MLC Mr Wes Fang said the facility will be an asset to the area when it is completed.

“I’m really pleased to see this project get underway,” he said.

“The upgrade will see an additional 20 stables, 60 day yards and 20 campsites for the Equestrian Centre, and more site infrastructure, including services and utilities.

“Once complete, the Charles Sturt University Riverina Equestrian Centre will be able to attract more events, with greater benefits to local and interstate equestrian participants and clubs with the development of a new regional centre in Wagga Wagga.”

Riverina Equestrian Association President Mr Lucas said the commencement of stage two is the culmination of months of hard work by his association, Charles Sturt and the NSW government.

“These improvements will allow Riverina Equestrian Association clubs to host events of state- and national-level significance, drawing competitors from across the country to the city of Wagga Wagga,” he said.

“The new facilities will provide safe accommodation for visitors and their equine partners, while providing income to the centre to drive it towards self-sustainability.”

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2020.