The centre of excellence would host a number of equine activities including showjumping, cross-country, hacking and eventing.

Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said the centre would bring many economic benefits to the area including employment and tourism opportunities.

“The development of a high-quality equine centre would provide the area with a multipurpose facility capable of hosting horse festivals, dressage, cross-country and showjumping events,’’ Mrs Gash said.

“The proposed facility may also be able to host a number of complementary multipurpose activities including walking tracks, cycling tracks, cross-country athletics tracks and a community garden.”

Mrs Gash said the relocation of the Berry Riding Club to the site would be the first stage of the master plan, with the club’s current site on North Street making way for the Berry bypass.

Mrs Gash said the facility could include  a number of local businesses such as equine suppliers, vet clinics and saddle repairs.