General News
25 March, 2025
New home in sight for RDA
Maryborough Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is nearing a critical milestone in securing it’s long-term home.
Maryborough RDA is on the verge of obtaining a location to continue operation, following Central Goldfields Shire Council’s intention to lease Craigie Park.
This development marks a pivotal moment for the group, which has recently been at risk of closure after struggling to find an adequate site for equine activities.
Maryborough RDA president Aileen Marshall said the next and final step will be to obtain approval from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
“It’s a major step because without land, we can’t do anything. Now it seems like it’s all moved forward,” she said.
To run the equine activities, the RDA requires accessability infrastructure.
DEECA is yet to determine if the group should be permitted to run equine activities and have infrastructure on the site.
“It’s a safety issue, we need to have a safe working ground, a safe mounting area, and safe usable toilets. Our aim is to secure that land, get the ok and be able to operate again in a safe and secure riding area, it is a must,” Ms Marshall said.
Central Goldfields Shire general manager infrastructure, assests and planning Amber Ricks said council came to a decision to lease the site after years of assisting RDA with locating an adequate ground.
“Council have been actively working with the RDA over the past few years to facilitate a move to a new site. The lease is subject to final approval by DEECA,” she said.
Once accepted, Ms Ricks said RDA will be able to operate at the site for seven years.
“The RDA will be able to execute the lease with council and it will be submitted for ministerial attestation. RDA can then operate from the site for the purposes of horse riding for the disabled and fundraising,” she said.
Council received no objections to the public notice.
Even without an estimation as to when a verdict is determined, Ms Marshall said DEECA’s decision will be the final hurdle.
“It will be the deciding factor in whether we can move there or not. With the stroke of a pen from DEECA, we could be back to square one again,” she said.
She said once approved, they could even continue activities from next term.
“Once we have secured a ground, we can start in the second term again. We need to get secure so that we can move on,” Ms Marshall said.
The Maryborough RDA still have until June this year to secure a site.