Cardinia Shire Council reviewed its Equestrian Strategy (2014) so we could improve and strengthen horse riding opportunities and participation in Cardinia Shire.

The information you provided will has helped us understand how you use equestrian trails and facilities, current and emerging trends, and supported ongoing implementation of the strategy.

The revised strategy was fully endorsed by Council at the Council Meeting on 19 August 2024. The Equestrian Strategy 2024-2034 will continue to drive our implementation of local equestrian facilities and trails.

Two key rounds of community consultation were undertaken as part of the 2014 Equestrian Strategy review. The community were initially engaged during a seven-week period 10 May – 30 June 2021. Council sought community feedback on:

• How local equestrian facilities and trails were used
• Which local equestrian facilities and trails were used
• Current issues affecting the equestrian community
• Suggested improvements to local equestrian facilities and trails.

The online survey was completed by 251 people, with 150 people providing feedback through the interactive online map.

Phase Two Community Consultation involved presenting the Draft Equestrian Strategy to the community for feedback. The consultation took place over a six-week period from 13th November - 22nd December 2023 and consisted of 5 drop-in sessions, invitations to Clubs for Council officers to attend meetings, and an online survey for all members of the community to complete.

The draft Equestrian Strategy 2023 – 2033 presented recommendations to:

• plan, deliver and maintain equestrian trails and facilities where they are most needed
• increase equestrian participation through improved access to trails and facilities, and better information about equestrian clubs and services
• enhance the promotion of equestrian trials and facilities, and partnerships that support activations, events, and infrastructure.

Council also received feedback from external agencies including:

• Department of Transport & Planning
• Parks Victoria
• Melbourne Water
• City of Casey.

Comments received through the online survey amounted to 32 pieces of information which were considered in the final version of the Strategy. Council also sought feedback from other agencies, and surrounding Local Government Areas, resulting in 56 pieces of feedback.

All feedback received was considered, and where possible, incorporated in the final Equestrian Strategy 2024-2034. Most of the changes made included:

• Wording and information amended / corrected.
• The Strategy was updated throughout to have greater focus on improving safety, education and awareness for equestrians, shared trail users and motorists.
• Increased focus on partnerships.
• Increased focus and new recommendation added to improve participation through public access to reserves