Pony club anger as 'life lease' in doubt
A sporting club which operates from a reserve which they claim was earmarked “for life” for recreation will have to move.
The lease where the Spalding Park Horse and Pony Club calls home expires on June 30.
The land on the CBD outskirts, zoned recreational, is proposed for future commercial and residential redevelopment.
The club said the City of Greater Geraldton had yet to find it another home, despite offering to.
However, the City said it had held meetings about finding the club an alternative home at either Nanson, Woorree, Moonyoonooka, Waggrakine or Walkaway.
And the City said the club had known for five years it would have to move.
The club has resided at the ground for 43 years and was lobbied by former mayor Henry Spalding in 1891, who wanted the 500 acres to be used by horse-minded people.
The grounds also support Riding for the Disabled, which is run by volunteers.
Founding member and instructor of Spalding Horse and Pony Club, Ngaire Martin, said if the land was developed, Geraldton would lose part of its heritage.
“This space is not only important for the club, but also acts as a recreation ground for families and people walking their dogs,” she said.
“Many residents say it is their favourite part of Sunset Beach.
“These grounds are an important part of our City’s history and heritage and shouldn’t be let go for redevelopment.”
City manager of commercial property development land and leasing, Brian Robartson, said the location of the land was ideal for commercial development.
“The City identified as part of the Draft Sporting Futures Plan process and the Greater Geraldton Structure Plan (approved by the Minister for Planning in May 2011) the land adjacent to the existing Sunset Beach Shopping Centre would be an ideal future redevelopment site, given its location along Chapman Road,” he said.
“The land has significant potential in the future for redevelopment for commercial, residential and community uses, and as such forms part of the Sunset Beach Precinct Plan currently being advertised for public comment.”
Public comment for the redevelopment of the land ends today.
