Equestrian riders in north west Queensland have petitioned the Cloncurry Shire Council to stop horsing around and assist with leased land in town.
Recognised as an active horse community, with a new equestrian centre and facilities, Cloncurry locals are disappointed there is little to no land available to keep their horses close to town.
Asking for council to investigate options for a horse common, 100 local equestrian riders signed a petition and delivered it to council.
One of the petition organisers, Jennifer Hetherington, started the ball rolling six years ago when she moved to Cloncurry.
“When I moved to Cloncurry I had horses and nowhere to put them, so we had to fence blocks off down the river,” Ms Hetherington said.
“I gave a petition to council back then and nothing ever happened. They said there was a 100 year lease on the town common and there was nothing they could do.
“This year the petition started after council began to enforce the rule that horses are not allowed in backyards. With no horse common available we felt that was very contradictory because council built a $6 million equestrian centre, which was supposed to put our town on the map as an equestrian community but they don’t support the equestrian people in town.”
Council states that horses are not permitted within residential listed areas. Livestock including horses in a town area must be on an allotment with an area greater than 4,000m2.
Cloncurry Mayor, Greg Campbell, said progression had been made with the commitment made at the Community Forum in October to meet with key representatives to discuss options for a horse paddock.
“A meeting was held on 16 November 2016 with key representatives. This opportunity allowed for an open discussion on options and locations for a common,” Mr Campbell said.
“Given the complexity and cost involved in establishing such a facility there will be further investigation and discussions with community members to find a suitable option.
“Council is continuing to investigate options and will discuss this also in the upcoming budget process for 2017/2018.”
Mr Campbell said council would continue to work with the community to bring together an option that would work for Cloncurry.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
