Gold Coast Turf Club $38 million redevelopment approved by State Government
More than 300 jobs are expected to be created after the state government approved a $38m redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club. Here’s what’s you can expect.
QLD News
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Night racing is coming to the Glitter Strip, with a long-awaited $38 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club approved by the State Government.
The project had been on the drawing board for years but the Government gave it the green light on Wednesday, just days before it goes into caretaker mode ahead of the October 31 state election.
Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said a re-elected Palaszczuk Government would deliver an all-weather synthetic track, a full refurbishment of the racing surfaces, lights and the development of a tunnel at the 74-year-old Bundall racecourse.
“Most importantly, the redevelopment is odds on to support about 330 jobs during the construction phase alone,” he said.
“Because we responded so quickly when the pandemic became a health issue, we are now well placed to roll out our economic recovery plan.
“The creation of hundreds of jobs in the construction phase alone will feed strategically into that plan.
“There are already almost 1100 jobs on the Gold Coast alone that depend on the racing industry, from trainers and jockeys through to hospitality workers, farriers and equine nurses.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the turf club was already home to the Magic Millions carnival.
“The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s most magnificent tourism drawcards and the turf club is already home to the internationally renowned Magic Millions Carnival, including the January yearling sale and its race day,” he said.
“Now it needs a turf club to match, which is exactly what a re-elected Palaszczuk Government will be able to deliver.”
Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson AM said the Gold Coast tracks and lights project was at the heart of RQ’s night racing strategy and was a gamechanger for the industry.
“We want the Gold Coast to be our very own Happy Valley – showcasing the city to the world by unlocking new and exciting timeslots – whilst establishing itself as the most impressive night racing venue in Australia,” he said.
“This will give visitors and locals at Australia’s favourite holiday destination the chance to have a night out whilst loving the thrill of our thoroughbred superstars sprinting down the upgraded track.
“Just as importantly, the all-weather synthetic track will provide the Gold Coast with a much-needed wet-weather racing option, which will increase wagering returns through greater surety – and flexibility – in race scheduling.
“It’s a significant announcement for the Queensland racing industry.”
Gold Coast Turf Club chair Brett Cook said the announcement was fantastic news for the Club.
“It’s something we have been trying to see accomplished for more than ten years,” he said.
“This will be a massive boost not just for the Club, but for tourism, jobs and the local economy.
“We couldn’t be happier as a Club to see the project progressing.”
Already, $1.5 million has been provided for feasibility and design work and the Gold Coast Turf Club is contributing $5 million, while the remaining $31.5 million will come from the industry-funded Racing Infrastructure Fund, financed from the exclusive wagering license fee paid to the State and allocated to approved projects.
Racing Queensland last week lodged a development application with the Gold Coast City Council for 10 new 45m light poles to pave the way for night races, which will be beamed into gambling-mad Asia.
The Gold Coast’s leading trainer, Toby Edmonds, said he will be more comfortable when he sees the first sod turned, as promises have been made over a long period of time, but welcomed the government’s commitment.
“This has been promised since I came back training here in 2011 and really, it’s something that’s long overdue. It’s been overlooked by both sides of government in my time,” he said.
“But well done to the government for making this commitment. It’s something that has been desperately needed for a long time.
“This will help our training operation no end.”
Mr Edmonds said the club needed a facelift.
“Our facilities are old and tired. They need a facelift. The other major training precincts have been better off than us,” he said.
“With this project given the green light, once it is completed you will see us compete with the rest of the country.”
Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch described it as a fantastic result for the Turf Club, its trainers and visitors going into the future.
“It’s fantastic to see the home of Queensland’s most lucrative race day has its future assured with the green light given to this project,” he said.