History of the DDRA

The Article below is part of a historical document called the

"Landholder's Guidelines for the Darlings Downs Equestrian Estate".

The booklet was edited and compiled by the Darling Downs Residents Association in 2011.

Note: Since 2011, there has been some changes to the incorporated body and to the structure of the DDRA Management Committee. However the article gives a good understanding of how and why the Association was incorporated originally in 2008, and that it was always to operate for the residents

within the Darling Downs Equestrian Estate.

For information on the history of the Darling Downs Equestrian Estate, click here.

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"Darling Downs Residents’ Association (DDRA)

The Darling Downs Residents’ Association began in 1986 as an advisory committee of residents formed by the Shire to guide the completion of the Darling Downs Estate trails, park, and facilities. The estate developer could not complete the work, but paid a proportion of the block sales into a trust fund held by the Shire. In 2008, prompted by a lack of adequate insurance and no clear license to operate, the committee was incorporated as a not for profit Association.

The objectives of the Association are to develop, maintain, and conserve the Equestrian Park, Reserves, Bridle Trails, and the adjoining Bushland and Water Course areas within the Darling Downs Equestrian Estate to serve the interests of the residents.

Since incorporation, an operating license over the trails, park, and reserves was agreed with the Shire; insurance cover for the committee and volunteers has been obtained; and additional funding from grants and sponsorship has been secured to supplement the Association’s trust fund. Annual programs for management of the estate are agreed at the Association’s Annual General Meeting:

• A development plan to improve the extent, use and amenities of the area;

• A maintenance schedule to repair, replace and preserve facilities; and

• A conservation program to monitor and sustain native flora and wildlife.

These annual programs are compiled by the Management Committee with input from residents, interest groups, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, and the Serpentine Jarrahdale Landcare Centre. These programs are then presented at the Association’s Annual General Meeting for discussion and approval by residents.

Darling Downs Management Committee

The activities of the Association and implementation of the annual programs are overseen by an elected Management Committee.

This Management Committee is made up of seven residents and one Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire representative. Committee members are volunteers elected at the Association’s Annual General Meeting for a term of three years. The committee members elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Shire Representative, plus a deputy is nominated from the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire Council. The Shire representatives are not elected and do not have voting rights.

The Management Committee has five primary responsibilities:

1 To plan the development of the bridle trails, equestrian park, nature reserves and other facilities in a way that serves the interests of the majority of residents;

2 To implement the development, maintenance and conservation programs agreed to at the Annual General Meeting;

3 To raise funds, apply for grants and administer the trust fund in the best interest of the Association and residents;

4 To make recommendations to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and the Serpentine Jarrahdale Landcare Centre on the development, maintenance and conservation of the area; and

5 To ascertain and represent residents’ views to government departments, planning authorities and other statutory bodies".

"Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action.

These actions shape and mold the present into a future

of which we can all be proud."

Helen Dyer