Push for Parramatta Council to oppose sale, redevelopment of Rosehill Racecourse

Prolific horse trainer Chris Waller has urged against the sale of Rosehill Gardens in favour of a 25,000-home mini city but welcomed a partial sale of the site during an emphatic speech.

The Winx monument at Rosehill Gardens, which could be sold off to developers.

Leading horse trainer Chris Waller has urged against the sale of Rosehill Gardens in favour of a mini city with 25,000 homes while business and developers backed the Australian Turf Club’s controversial proposal so the Metro could be built to deliver critical infrastructure.

Mr Waller, who has trained at Rosehill Gardens for the past 24 years, addressed the Parramatta Council meeting on Monday night in response to Our Local Community councillor Michelle Garrard’s motion to heritage list the landmark and oppose the sale, which could generate $5bn.

The ATC revealed in December Rosehill Gardens could be transformed into a city with a metro station and a school under its government-backed plan.

Despite the council having no role in the proposed sale, Cr Garrard’s motion – which was ultimately defeated – proposed for the Lord Mayor or chief executive to write to the ATC and the Premier to express the council’s opposition against the redevelopment.

Cr Garrard said there was enough development in the precinct where 20,000 homes are already earmarked to flank the Parramatta River under the Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy which includes a man-made beach inspired by Brisbane’s Southbank.

Trainer Chris Waller is fiercely against the sale of Rosehill. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Mr Waller said the racecourse sale was not a done deal and the “vast majority” of members rejected the sale of the 139-year-old site – but welcomed a partial sale.

“There are areas around the racecourse that can be utilised better so I see a partial sale as a positive outcome for the club,’’ he said

He said green space was needed and the racecourse remained a social and economic drawcard.

“Horse racing is a unique industry and a huge provider of employment,’’ Mr Waller said.

“Not only is Rosehill Racecourse the home of six of the last seven Australian racehorse of the year award winners, it’s also home to some of the biggest horse races in the world, which captures a global audience not only on TV and social media platforms but also as a huge tourist attraction.

“On race day Rosehill creates a hive of activity and overflow to Parramatta is huge.’’

He said the ATC needed to engage better with the council throughout the year, with a “huge” exhibition centre to offer.

“You all know Parramatta is the centre of greater western Sydney and it deserves not only a racetrack but a community centre of this size should be preserved and promoted …,’’ he said.

Silver Slipper Stakes Day at Rosehill Gardens in February. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

ATC member Helen Hughes, who is also an OLC councillor at neighbouring Cumberland Council, was scathing against the plan.

“Turning this site into housing development is dumping again on western Sydney, which is dumped upon time and time, and time again,’’ she said.

“Decisions such as this are just looking after the eastern side of Sydney for their ease of access and financial comfort.

“Just selling off this site is ignorant of the members and attendees from this area, and the wider western Sydney surrounds. The passion for Rosehill is unwavering.’’

However, Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger has backed the sale of the racecourse to pave the way for the metro to transform the area into a “vibrant multifunctional precinct”.

“The establishment of a metro station at this site represents a pivotal opportunity for economic revitalisation and sustainable growth,’’ he said.

“The city metro west project with a station at the Rosehill Racecourse is a forward-thinking proposal that aligns with a broader vision of making greater Parramatta a more liveable, accessible and dynamic region.’’

Rosehill Racecourse.

During his address to the council, Billbergia development director Rick Graf also underlined the need for the metro so it could connect with the Westmead and Parramatta stations within three minutes.

“Future development at Camellia, supported by a metro station, provides the essential catalyst to finally remediate and revitalise what is a declining former industrial precinct with limited employment to deliver more homes and jobs and open up public access to 1.5km of the Parramatta riverfront,’’ he said.

An artist’s impression of the masterplanned Camellia-Rosehill precinct which could link to the Rosehill Racecourse site if it is sold.

ButCr Garrard said the metro was not dependent on the sale of the racecourse and questioned why 25,000 homes were not proposed in the city’s east or north.

“I’ll say it loud and clear – Rosehill will become a ghetto,’’ she said.

“The Rosehill ward has the least amount of open space in the LGA.’’

Most Labor councillors opposed the motion because it was too early and acknowledged the housing crisis had to be resolved.

A man-made beach is slated for Camellia-Rosehill.

Labor Deputy Lord Mayor Patricia Prociv was more critical of “planning on the run’’ and backed the historical importance of the track.

Last week she said: “I agree with Gai Waterhouse that there are too many flaws in the proposal, it doesn’t appear to have been well thought out and gives the appearance of being planning on the run.

Independent councillors Kellie Darley and Georgina Valjak opposed the motion because it was not in the council’s control, and labelled it irresponsible and premature.

Last week, Labor councillor Cameron Maclean said it was not pragmatic and too premature to oppose the plan.

“If we were talking about horse racing, this is putting the cart before the horse,’’ he said.

Cr Garrard maintained that the council could still advocate the government and ATC against the sale.