Last week, YVEP was informed that it was unsuccessful in its grant application to the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
While disappointing for the Equestrian Community, YVEP has been planning for this scenario and is well placed for multiple funding opportunities over the coming months. The team has been continually engaging with all levels of government (local, state and federal) and local politicians to ensure the project is top of mind. With a federal and state election in 2022 now is the time to be lobbying for grants for our sport.
YVEP is shovel-ready (town planning permit due by the end of October) and strongly supported by the 10,000 plus local equestrian participants in the Yarra Ranges. The local clubs and community had pledged a staggering $1.25 million to be matched as part of the BBRF submission.
The outcome is a temporary missed opportunity for our community and the region, given the following benefits:
• A total of 54,000 patrons per year across various events and site bookings.
• Equestrian Sport is 80% women and girls participation.
• Riding for the Disabled (RDAV) have a 12 month wait list in the region and no facilities.
• An Education centre for schools, community groups, training – and for community hire/civic use.
• A Safe place and accommodation for community and animal refuge for disasters, floods, fires, pandemics, etc.
• $8.3 million per year economic contribution.
• 5 full time jobs during the construction phase (12 months) and 43 full time jobs once operating.
• YVEP will be a world class regional equestrian facility.
YVEP Acting Chairman, Geoff Sinclair commented on YVEP’s BBRF outcome:
“We have an extremely active equestrian community in the east of Melbourne, yet we are far too easily dismissed for being out of sight and out of mind.”
“In our view, we exceeded all criteria for the BBRF funding program and we know our project will be a valuable contributor to the community. Further, it will provide some much-needed economic stimulus to support the community’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic and wind/floods we have had in the Yarra Valley”
“YVEP would like to thank the local community for its ongoing support and particularly the generous local clubs, stakeholders, community leaders and the broader Equestrian Sport community which formally and financially supported our application.”
YVEP is awaiting an opportunity for feedback on the round five submission of BBRF with the view to addressing any concerns in its next application for the soon to be announced sixth round of BBRF.
