An indoor equestrian centre for Kendall is a step closer following Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's May meeting.
The state-of-the-art, undercover riding and stable facilities will be housed at the Camden Haven Show Society's existing land on Batar Creek Road.
Mayor Peta Pinson said the project would put Kendall on the map.
She said the economic and social benefits of the project would have enormous implications for the local horse riding fraternity.
"It will give all year round access to an undercover riding facility right on our doorstep," she said.
"This is an amazing opportunity."
The project has an estimated cost of just over $5.5 million.
The facility would be the first equestrian centre of its kind in northern NSW between the Hunter Valley and the Tweed.
Camden Haven Show Society secretary Jody Nelson-Gleeson said the centre has been a vision for many years and it was exciting news that it might come into fruition.
“We’ve done extensive research over a long period of time and had input at each step of the way regarding the plans,” she said.
Jody said the new centre will see 100 new state of the art stables to provide protection from the weather elements for both animals and humans.
Society president Sean Gleeson said he believes this centre will cement the showground as the heart of Kendall and for equestrian lovers on the Mid North Coast.
“We’re only limited by our imaginations of what we can achieve,” he said.
Once operating, the centre will host local shows, events, and have the capacity to target regional and state fixtures for multiple groups.
The society's project includes the indoor centre, horse stables and covered warm up area.
The facilities will be used by the Camden Haven Show, Camden Haven and Port Macquarie Pony Clubs, adult riding groups and Kendall Riding for the Disabled.
The Show Society approached council for a financial contribution in support of a regional sports infrastructure fund application for the construction of The Mid North Coast Regional Equestrian Centre.
Council will provide $25,000 should the grant application be successful.
Council also voted to waive application fees and associated administrative and application fees to an approximate value of $11,000.
The showground is a privately owned facility occupying some 12.89 hectares. The showground was established in 1948.
