Pressure mounts on the Qld Government to deliver funds for $38 million revamp to Gold Coast Turf Club

GOLD Coast's chances of getting a $38 million revamp of the home of the Magic Millions carnival hang in the balance. A final submission has landed on the desk of the Queensland Government as pressure mounts for them to end a decade long battle for the funds promised to finally be delivered.  

RACING Queensland have submitted its final business case for the Gold Coast Turf Club’s $38 million revamp as industry participants urge the State Government to approve the funds allocated to the project.

The state’s racing body had the plans on Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick’s desk on Wednesday night as the Government prepares to go into caretaker mode on Friday.

The plans include a revamp of the GCTC tracks, Train-tech stabling facility, development of lights for night racing and more.

The Government has not handed over money that has been allocated through the Racing Infrastructure Fund to help develop the booming club.

Aquis Park, home to Queensland’s richest race day – the $10 million Magic Millions carnival – has not had a track upgrade in 30 years.

GCTC chairman Brett Cook said it was vital the funding finally be approved.

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“All the money from the infrastructure fund comes from the industry with wagering turnover and taxation,” Cook said.

“This is a fully funded infrastructure project and that is what the Government has been asking for, especially with COVID, to help employment.

“The tunnel and training tracks would be first part of the project, something that is super important for safety and horse welfare.

“We are calling on the Government to approve this project as a priority for the benefit of all Queensland industry participants.”

The likes of training giant Chris Waller and Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds have voiced their support of the development.

Jockey Jon Grisedale rode Tiomo to victory in the Class 1 Handicap (1800m) at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, March 21, 2020. Picture credit: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions.

“From a training facilities perspective, we need to upgrade the Gold Coast training centre so that it is seen as staying with the changing times, adopting modern techniques in relation to training and ensuring the welfare of both animal and rider is maintained, Waller said.

“Horses need to be racing on good surfaces and this provides confidence in the investor spending money on horses and investors from a wagering perspective.”

Edmonds, a trainer of 28 years, has been on the Gold Coast since 2009 and said the limited facilities placed the stable at a disadvantage when competing at a metropolitan level.

“Given my previous experience training thoroughbreds at Warwick Farm and my recent experience travelling to New South Wales and Victoria … I can state first hand that the facilities here on the Gold Coast are inferior to that of any metropolitan venue across the eastern seaboard of Australia.”