Questions and Answers (Q&A)

 $15 million sounds like a lot?

  • The State Equestrian Centre is 33 years-old and valued at $43 million, the $15 million would set it up for the next 20 years.

How much will it cost to keep running after the upgrade?

  • Ongoing maintenance is a part of the State Equestrian Centre Redevelopment. We are asking for $253,000 a year indexed from the WA State Government. This will mean EWA members and SEC users will not have to pay more in the future.

Equestrian WA fees are the most expensive in the country.

  • Approximately $50 per member is used to help support the State Equestrian Centre. Equestrian WA believes that this unfair for our members as the SEC is used by the entire community. Hence, it is why we need the funds to redevelop the SEC.

What happens if the State Equestrian Centre Redevelopment is not funded by the Federal or State Government?

  • The current State Equestrian Centre lease runs out at the end of 2020. Equestrian WA would not sign a long-term lease if the SEC Redevelopment is not funded. We would have a short-term lease while a decision might need to be made to mothball much of the facility.

What support does the State Equestrian Centre get from Government?

  • The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - Sport and Recreation funds urgent maintenance needs at the State Equestrian Centre but the amount is well short of what is needed and is a band-aid solution, at the same time we are very thankful for the support we do get from the Department.

Where did the $15million figure come from?

  • The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - Sport and Recreation has funded 2 reports in the past 8 years regarding the facility. The $15million is the total figure from these reports with a small number of new projects.

What has Equestrian WA been doing to get the funds?

  • We have met with the councillors at the City of Swan Council which are fully supportive, a few State Members of Parliament and Federal Members who are all very supportive. We have also briefed the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - Sport and Recreation and at this stage have briefed the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mick Murray's office. More meetings and follow up meetings are currently being organised.

Why should Equestrian WA fight to keep the State Equestrian Centre?

  • We believe the best outcome for the equestrian community is for Equestrian WA to keep running the State Equestrian Centre. As a member-based not-for-profit organisation with all of our volunteers, we are the cheapest and most efficient management model. It is important that EWA runs it to ensure that the SEC is kept mainly for Equestrian use.

I am not an Equestrian WA Member what does it mean to me?

  • Currently, 57% of State Equestrian Centre bookings are from Equestrian WA members events etc, 33% are other Equestrian and 10% are non-equestrian. The 33% include Pony Clubs, RDA, Western Clubs, breed shows etc. The SEC is widely used by many non-EWA members.
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