TWO SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS GET THE GREEN LIGHT

By Graham Potter | Friday, February 8, 2013

Two press releases emanated from the offices of Racing Queensland yesterday. They relate to different but equally significant projects. The pertinent sections of these releases are reproduced below.

THE IPSWICH UNDERTAKING:

In their monthly meeting on Wednesday, the Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) board considered a proposal drafted by the Ipswich Turf Club (ITC) and Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club (IGRC).

The proposal consists of two main components.

The first component of the proposal is to construct a tunnel under the existing tracks to allow car parking and other services to be located on the infield. The land fronting Brisbane Road would then be available for commercial development with the view of making the turf club financially self-sufficient.

The second component put forward is the proposed construction of a new one turn greyhound track inside the thoroughbred track, which would also see the IGRC relocated to the Bundamba racecourse. The aforementioned tunnel would facilitate the relocation by providing ease of access to the infield.

The introduction of the greyhound facility will have no effect on the current thoroughbred racing and training activities of the ITC.

ITC chairman Wayne Patch believes the proposal will guarantee the future of both organisations.

“We have been trying for some years to achieve the realisation of the commercial value of this proposal and I am absolutely delighted for both the ITC and the IGRC,” he said.

“The IGRC tenure at the showgrounds is due to expire in two years, and the centre of our track has been underutilised for years Therefore, it is an ideal opportunity to support the racing industry by joining the two codes together at one racetrack.”

The RQL board resolved that this proposal had significant merit and believes partnering the two clubs together at the one racecourse, further supports the concept of venue sustainability.

Therefore, RQL will immediately make an application under the recently published Industry Infrastructure Strategy (IIS) for $1 million to be allocated to the project to allow the detailed design, regulatory applications and other technical studies to be progressed.

THE GOLD COAST REDEVELOPMENT:

Racing Minister Steve Dickson has announced a local Queensland company has been appointed to construct the first phase of the Gold Coast Turf Club (GCTC) redevelopment.

Mr Dickson said Alder Constructions had been awarded the contract for phase one of the project, which would see vital infrastructure improvements for the club.

“This project, part of the LNP’s $110 million pledge for racing infrastructure improvements across the state, will deliver a world class club facility on the Gold Coast in time for this year’s Melbourne Cup celebrations,” Mr Dickson said.

Mr Dickson said works in the first stage of the GCTC project included renovations of the existing grandstand lounge, bar and restaurant facilities, and construction of ten new corporate boxes.

GCTC Chairman Brett Cook said the redevelopment was one of the most significant events in the history of the club and paved the way for substantial long-term economic benefits for the city.

“The racing industry and the turf club are of great importance to the Gold Coast and the redevelopment comes at a time when we need major project impetus creating jobs and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy,” Mr Cook said.