Upper Hunter Shire Council has won an award for White Park Arena, from Parks and Leisure Australia for the ‘Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution’ in New South Wales (NSW) or Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The undercover arena which opened earlier this year has already been a hit with performers and patrons.
Director Infrastructure Services, Nick Havyatt, said, “The new arena is a magnificent venue that will bring new equine and other entertainment events, and more visitors to the region.
“We are very proud of what has been achieved and look forward to completing the next stage of the project.”
Manager Special Projects, Alan Fletcher who accepted the award, said it was a shared achievement with the many user groups who had contributed their views to the project over many years.
Construction began on Stage one of the facility at the end of 2017.
The full White Park project includes not just the undercover arena with seating for almost 3000, toilets, water and sewerage, but also eventually completing new stables and horse boxes, upgraded power supply, roadways, camping amenities, bar, canteen, landscaping and a crossing over Fig Tree Gully.
Stage one of the project was funded by Upper Hunter Shire Council and the NSW and Australian governments from the Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, Stronger Country Communities (DPC NSW) and Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program – NSW Department of Industry.
