White Park to reign in the rain

Council has secured $1.469 million through the Hunter Infrastructure and investment Fund (HIIF) towards Stage 1 of the White Park Recreation and Equine Facility Development.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood welcomed the announcement.

“The improved White Park facility will provide the Upper Hunter’s first all-weather outdoor sports facility and increase its use for a range of events,” Cr Bedggood said.

“It is expected to generate several thousand new visitors to the region, providing a major boost to the local visitor economy. Staging of extra sporting events are expected to generate new revenue for the facility and an increase of around 15,000 visitor nights or $2.6 million of additional tourist spend a year for the region.

“I would like to thank the White Park Management and Development Committee and all the user groups who have shown support for this project over the many years that we have worked to make this redevelopment happen.

“A master plan for the White Park facility was developed following significant consultation by Council with user groups, discussions with manufacturers, design engineers and visiting similar sites such as Dubbo, Armidale and Tamworth.”

Stage 1 of the development has an estimated total cost of $1.969 million, so the balance will be from Council funds and user group contributions.

Stage 1 of the White Park project includes: new arena surface and drainage; 90m x 60m roof; mobile terraced seating; water tanks and landscape irrigation; and lighting under the roof.

Construction is expected to commence around February 2017 and be completed in August 2017.

Many organisations have flagged new events for White Park when the development is completed including:

• Professional Bull Riders Australia
• National Cutting Horse Association and Hunter Valley Cutting Club
• Upper Hunter Dressage Club
• Show Jumping Association
• Australian Stock Horse Society
• Scone Hack Show
• Working Stock Dog Futurity
• Scone Pony Club

The new White Park facility will build on the Upper Hunter Shire’s standing as the Horse Capital of Australia, and the rich historic connection with horses.

Contact Details

Upper Hunter Shire Council
Phone:  02 6540 1100
Fax:  02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au