FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson is urging Tasmanian leaders to get behind a push to attract thoroughbred horse investors to relocate here from interstate.
Mr Hutchinson said this week that he supported Meander Valley Council’s move to get thoroughbred investors to look at Northern Tasmania as an alternative location to traditional interstate stud farms threatened by mining operations.
He hopes others will follow his example to realise a wonderful opportunity for the state.
Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins said that he had seen firsthand the impact that mining was having on the Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeding industry so he was not surprised that industry investors were having reservations about further investment in the region.
ABC Rural reported earlier this month that horse breeders and investors from overseas were turning their backs on the NSW Hunter Valley because they were worried about the expansion of coal mining.
It is understood that the racing manager for an Arab Sheik flew over the Hunter Valley in a helicopter and was astonished by the proximity of the coal mines to the horse studs and was now looking for another base for breeding operations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Councillor Perkins said the regrettable situation that was occurring in the Hunter Valley provided a real opportunity for Tasmania to put its considerable case to one day become a leading thoroughbred breeding destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
“But we need support from our political and industry leaders to share the vision of what this high value industry could be in five to 10 years’ time,’’ Councillor Perkins said.
Mr Hutchinson said that Tasmania –in particular Northern Tasmania – had the ideal requirements to become a breeding destination.
“We have a history of breeding here, the right climate, plenty of water and we are closer to Melbourne and the main racing venues than other places interstate,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
“I would hope that we can encourage investors to look closely at the advantages of establishing and investing in Tasmania for the long term.’’
Councillor Perkins said that, given the passion and investment of people like the Arab sheiks Mohammed and Fahad –al-Thani (who won a Melbourne Cup at his first attempt) it was clearly plausible that they could be convinced to establish and invest in breeding operations in Tasmania.
Councillor Perkins said that his council had been working with the Tasmanian thoroughbred industry and the State Government to help develop an industry growth plan.
“Our council’s interest is that breeders in our region produce the majority of yearlings at sale each year so we know that the potential is there,’’ he said.
Mr Hutchinson will write to political and industry leaders to call on them to get behind the move to encourage thoroughbred racing investors here.
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson, Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins
