Potential Equestrian Centre of Excellence for Toowoomba

MEDIA RELEASE

28^th October 2022

The planning project to investigate establishment of an Equestrian Centre of Excellence at Toowoomba Showgrounds is well underway. Current facility users have expressed strong agreement about required improvements during consultation completed so far.

The Toowoomba Showgrounds present an ideal opportunity to close an identified gap in the equestrian facility market. Currently, within Queensland, there is a significant lack of large-scale equestrian facilities that can offer quality equestrian surfaces; a gap highlighted by the imminent 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A project steering committee comprising representatives from the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RASQ), the local community and from a range of equestrian disciplines, has been established to oversee the investigation into a possible Toowoomba Equestrian Centre of Excellence. The planning project encompasses a facility plan, land management plan and business case. The initiative is being supported by funding from Toowoomba Regional Council in acknowledgement of the considerable economic benefit sports tourism brings to the region and the role that Toowoomba Showgrounds plays in providing vital community infrastructure for the region.

RASQ President Shane Charles said, “it’s important to ensure that any facility improvements provide an ability for RASQ to viably operate and continue to improve and maintain the facilities at the showgrounds. To achieve this, the equestrian facility needs to be of appropriate quality and scale to attract events and competitors to Toowoomba. Funding will also be required to support any significant infrastructure construction.”

A recent survey completed by existing facility user groups at Toowoomba Showgrounds followed up by face-to-face consultation confirmed the need to upgrade existing equestrian facilities and supported the opportunity for the facility to host large-scale events of more than 300 competitors. Preliminary plans offer an opportunity to utilise the existing equestrian facility footprint at the showgrounds – meaning the project will have limited impact on neighbours or other showgrounds uses.  

Members of equestrian user groups already using the facility are encouraged to discuss any ideas for the site with their club’s management committee, each of whom are being consulted during the project. The RASQ Toowoomba Showgrounds web page also provides a registration link for anyone interested in being kept informed regarding the project: www.toowoombashow.com.au/news-and-media/article/news/toowoomba-equestrian-centre-of-excellence-project/

Equestrian Queensland CEO Briston Toft said, “because equestrian sports have such specific requirements, the consultants who are leading the Toowoomba Showgrounds planning project will consult industry experts and equestrian athletes to ensure that facility needs are considered, and the planned facility can meet the needs of both high-level and grassroots participation.”

Ongoing opportunities to provide feedback on the plans will be provided over coming months.

Media contacts

• Damon Phillips – Chief Executive Officer – Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland – 07 4634 7400
• Melissa Driscoll – Manager Planning – CPR Group – 0429 627 573
• Briston Toft – Chief Executive Officer – Equestrian Queensland – 07 3891 6611