Gold Coast Turf Club officials have grave concerns regarding funding for proposed development

Gold Coast racing bosses have grave fears the funds for their $38 million development are another empty promise from the Queensland Government.

GOLD Coast racing bosses have grave fears the funds for their $38 million development are another empty promise from the Queensland Government.

The COVID-19 crisis has only added to concerns by those running the Gold Coast Turf Club that they won’t be given the money or that it will be diverted to other areas due to the economic impact of the virus.

The Palaszczuk Government allocated a pot of $120 million for Racing Queensland’s infrastructure fund, with $75 million already committed.

GCTC put a case to Racing Queensland in November to upgrade its training tracks and the course proper, a tunnel to the infield which will improve safety for horses, licensees and the construction of lights for night racing.

Jockey Jag Guthmann-Chester rode the Kacy Fogden-trained Holly Run in the BENCHMARK 65 Handicap (1800m) at the Gold Coast Turf Club on March 28, 2020. Picture credit: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions.

The estimated cost of the entire project is in the vicinity of $38 million, but it’s believed the GCTC has committed $5 million of its own funds.

Racing Queensland submitted the plans to the State Government who gave a green light to the project in February but have come back with more questions without providing any finances.

It has left GCTC officials believing no work will begin this year, adding to a worry that the funds originally promised over a decade ago could be more hot air.

And with an election in October, the risk of a change in government leaders would further cloud the future.

“I’ve always been worried,” GCTC CEO Steve Lines said.

“They have always talked about it but nothing has ever been done.

“They asked Racing Queensland to do more work, which they have. They are stalling.

“Until it’s in the bank, you can’t rely on it.

“At the end of the day we have been racing in good faith, they are getting turnover on the product and we are putting on and they need to keep that at the top of their minds.”

Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell didn’t return calls but a statement provided by the state racing body read:

“The re-development of the Gold Coast Turf Club remains a key component of the Racing Queensland Infrastructure Plan.

“Late last year, a business case to fund the multi-faceted project was submitted to the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs and we continue to liaise with the Queensland Government and the Gold Coast Turf Club to advance the project.”