Equine Centre, Upper Hunter Shire Council

The Upper Hunter Shire Council has commissioned a Business Case to explore the feasibility of a new tourism Centre in Scone to celebrate the region as the ‘Horse Capital of Australia’. Dedicated to showcasing the area's unparalleled contribution to the equine industry, the Equine Centre is intended to recognise the Upper Hunter's reputation as one of the largest and most respected thoroughbred breeding regions in the world.

The Centre will cast a spotlight on Scone as a key player in Australian equine culture and tradition. It aims to drive tourism, enhance regional growth, and position the Upper Hunter as a hub for education, tourism, and celebration of equine excellence. It will give all visitors to the area the possibility to access and experience the region’s rich equine history and it’s thriving and diverse industry of today.

This survey is seeking community feedback on the vision for the new Centre, and what equine focussed attractions you think should be included. It also seeks input into other facilities you would like to see associated with the centre, including linkages with other tourism products that should be promoted within the Shire.

The Upper Hunter Shire Council has obtained grant funding from the NSW Government for this business case. The ultimate ownership and operating model for the centre has not yet been determined, and this will be contemplated further during the business case process. The Equine Centre is unlikely to be owned or operated by the Upper Hunter Shire Council.

In this survey, you will be asked to share your wants and preferences for the new Equine Centre. Your responses will help us understand which features and aspects are most important to you when considering the development of this new facility.

All residents of the Upper Hunter Shire or all other interested parties

Completing all the questions should take approximately 5-10 minutes