After more than two and a half years since it was first applied for, Wyreema’s Bracknell Lodge can now become home to a horse equestrian arena after Toowoomba Regional Council gave its approval last week.

Councillors had the final say at a special meeting held last Wednesday and gave their unanimous support for the development application.

The application, which sought permission for a range of facilities relating to hosting events at Bracknell Lodge, was first submitted in December 2020.

Rebecca Knudsen, owner of Bracknell Lodge alongside her husband Rick, said it was a massive relief to finally gain approval.

“I would like to thank the local community for their support,” Mrs Knudsen said.

“It feels good to be a worthy part of Wyreema and surrounds.

“We have been waiting to see what happens with the approval for so long and now we can get in and start working.

“We plan to make a business that helps to support local families and enhances the Toowoomba wedding society as a whole.”

The facilities include a function facility, beauty and hair salon, short term accommodation and camping area that have been informally operating.

Bracknell Lodge also has approval to build an indoor equestrian arena which will be able to accommodate a maximum of 250 people on site at any time.

“The equestrian arena will now become a pipeline project that will hopefully come sooner rather than later,” Mrs Knudsen said.

Under the conditions, the function facility and the indoor equestrian arena are not permitted to operate at the same time and an equestrian event can last for no longer than three days.

The extended delay in reaching a decision was partly due to prolonged discussions between Council and the applicant regarding noise and odour considerations.

Although under council guidelines the hair beauty salon is listed as a shop, Mrs Knudsen said it will be only be used for weddings and events held at Bracknell Lodge.

Mrs Knudsen said it is important to be able to host guests overnight on site as it negates the need for travelling after a big day and/or night of celebrating and it allows families and friends to stay together for longer.

Similarly, although the camping areas are listed as tourist parks and ten cabins and a house are listed as short term accommodation, they will only be used to accommodate guests staying for an event at Bracknell Lodge.

Whether its hosting a wedding, charity event, school formal or rodeo, each event involves a large array of suppliers and support staff, such as caterers, beauticians and gardeners.

Mrs Knudsen said she sees Bracknell Lodge as a family-based business with a family work environment.

“There are five families we directly help with jobs and homes,” she said.

“They have literally changed their lives from being homeless to now working here and living here.

“Their future went from unfortunate to unstoppable.”

For those looking forward to another event at Bracknell Lodge, Mrs Knudsen said she is aiming for the stars – she hopes to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 10 August 2023.