Princes Highway - Foxground + Berry Bypass

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The Issues Associated with the Design of the Proposed Relocation of the Berry Equestrian Centre

This submission concerns the impact of the proposed Foxground and Berry Bypass on the Berry Equestrian Centre which is located in North Street Berry.

The design and loss of land of the proposed relocation of the Berry Equestrian Centre will have a significant impact on the ability to conduct events. It will impact riders, participants and spectators in the following ways.

1. The competition grounds are required to be rectangular /square in shape of a minimum size of 140 metres x 140 metres with a level, well drained, good riding surface in order to cater for at least 4 dressage arenas or 2 showjumping arenas.

2. The parking area is required to be of a minimum area equivalent to 90 metres x 160 metres and allow for easy entry, maneuverability, parking and exit of horse floats and trucks. Each parking space is equivalent to an absolute minimum of 4 normal vehicle spaces due to the need for unloading/loading and tie up areas for horses.

3. There is concern for the safety of horses, riders and the general public due to the near location of the proposed riding area to the 4 lane expressway, the skateway, the public cycleway/walkway and North Street. There will be anticipated significantly increased noise and visibility of cars and trucks travelling at 100km/hour on the expressway with horses competing nearby, often with young, very inexperienced riders.

4. Access to the grounds is likely to be across a public shared cycleway/pathway. The safety of children on skateboards, bicycles etc are at risk as horse trucks and floats cross the pathway. Horse floats and trucks also require an indented driveway of at least 15 metres to allow vehicles to park off the roadway whilst gates to the grounds are opened.

5. The nonprofit sporting clubs that utilize the Equestrian Centre have put significant effort and funds raised from their activities into improvements at the Centre. This includes:
a) improving the grounds through leveling and backfilling with hundreds of tonnes of sand in order to make a good all weather riding surface
b) construction of an administration/shelter shed for officials, canteen and spectator viewing area
c) construction of a machinery shed for storage of dressage and showjumping trailers and equipment
d) location of container and construction of a storage annex for pony club gear and secondary showjumping equipment
e) safety fencing to protect riders and horses from falling into the adjoining creek and gully

The Benefits of the Current Site

There are a number of benefits of the current location for the Berry Equestrian Centre. These include:

1. It is located next to the Berry Sporting Complex so access to toilets and other amenities are nearby.

2. It is in close proximity to the Berry township which is of benefit to visiting participants both prior to and after events.

3. The competition arena is located away from other distractions such as the skateway, roads and other public facilities.

4. There is easy access to the site for people coming from either north, south, east or west of Berry.

5. Horse float parking and maneuverability of vehicles is easily accomplished.

6. Storage of dressage, showjumping and pony club equipment is securely held on site.

7. Overnight yarding of horses is currently available at the Berry Showground which is only minutes away.

8. The Club Committee members live within 5 minutes as numerous trips are required to unlock access gates and transport ancillary canteen equipment etc to events.

Please see attached document.

Please see attached document.

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