News
Our Challenge
The Hunter Valley’s historically significant thoroughbred breeding region is now under threat.
Increasing levels of mining exploration and activity are threatening the future viability of our industry, the health and future of our employees, our livestock, our communities and our environment.
Click here to download a map of current and proposed mining activity in the Hunter Valley.
We are seriously concerned about the increasing encroachment of coal mining and the cumulative impact it will have on our water quality, our land management, our air quality and the health of our people and our livestock.
Unchecked these factors will significantly impact on the future viability of our industry, our employees, our bloodstock, our international reputation and the future of our communities.
Governments and industry alike have a responsibility to provide a sustainable future for our region and to protect our environment for future generations.
This means finding a responsible and sustainable balance between the ever increasing and competing demands for our lands and our natural resources.
The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is internationally renowned as Australia’s horse breeding capital. It has the second largest concentration of horse studs in the world, outside Kentucky in the USA.
Arrowfield, Coolmore, Darley, Vinery, Yarraman Park and the historic Widden Stud, established in 1867, are all located in the Hunter Valley.
The Hunter Valley also supports a wide cross section of the industry through a large number of high class boarding operations.
The Hunter Valley hosts a large number of investors and stallions of global pedigrees. It is also home to a number of other important agricultural industries – such as wine production and cattle farming.
Our History & Heritage
Horse racing is part of Australia’s heritage and history. It is one of our oldest sports – dating back to 1810 when the first official thoroughbred race meeting was staged by Governor Macquarie in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Since that time Australian bred and raised stallions and broodmares have been among the finest in the world – including Pharlap, Kingston Town, Tulloch, and Makybe Diva just to name a few.
The Hunter Valley breeds around half of all thoroughbred horses born in Australia and is internationally recognised as a major source of international Group 1 winners.
Breeding, training and racing internationally recognised thoroughbreds is a tradition that we want to continue in our prized Hunter Valley. But our future is under threat.
The Economics
In 2006 Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industry contributed to:
- sustainable employment of over 65,000 people across Australia, especially regional Australia
- over $5.04 billion in value added to the national economy – with regional areas responsible for generating more than $2.2 billion of this contribution to GDP
- investment of over $1.1 billion annually by breeders, owners and trainers
- exports of over $750 million to 24 countries around the world.
Local Communities & Jobs
The Hunter Valley breeders are an important part of the New South Wales economy and the fabric of our regional communities.
They contribute to over $1.2 billion in direct spending in New South Wales and help support over 1200 trainers, over 300 jockeys and apprentices and over 1,000 other employees.
Not Against Mining
Our campaign in the Hunter Valley is not against all coal mining.
It is about a responsible and sustainable future for our region that balances the interests of all stakeholders and values the contribution thoroughbred breeding makes to our society.
Our campaign is about:
- responsible whole of government actions so that our industry can invest with confidence
- sustainable industries
- sustainable long-term jobs
- sustainable land management
- protecting our environment – particularly our water supply and air quality
- protecting the health of our people and livestock
- preserving our local economy and the future of our region.
Join Our Campaign
Throughout the coming year we will be stepping up our campaign to educate our politicians on the need for a responsible, sustainable balance in the Hunter Valley.
Joining our campaign is simple and free. By joining our campaign you will be showing your support for the future of the thoroughbred breeding industry in the Hunter Valley. You will be adding your voice to the many people who are already concerned about the future of our region and our industry.
We will also send you regular email updates of forthcoming campaign events, petitions and progress reports so that you can join the public debate and help effect responsible action in the Hunter Valley.
Contact Us
We are interested in your views and in any information that you may have that will help our campaign.
Please contact us directly at:
Hunter Valley Office
c/- HTBA Inc
PO Box 538
Scone NSW 2337
Australia
Sydney Office
c/- Level 1,
287-289 New South Head Road
Edgecliff NSW 2027
Australia
Or call us direct on +61 (0) 432 596 065
