Government pulls whip on turf club upgrade

RACING Queensland is set to move on its long-term infrastructure plans, with one of the first confirmed projects being the installation of new synthetic surface tracks at the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

The new tracks will be used mostly for training purposes but also provide the option of a racing surface during wet months and while other tracks are renovated.

Racing Queensland has committed to an industry consultation process before a decision is made on exactly what surface is chosen.

The synthetic tracks form part of Racing Queensland’s infrastructure plan, which has just been approved by government.

As revealed by the Bulletin in May, the synthetic training track is part of the Gold Coast Turf Club’s proposed $39 million redevelopment.

Gold Coast CEO Steve Lines said a synthetic track would be of great benefit to the 450 horses trained at the Aquis Park venue.

Racing Queensland boss Brendan Parnell said an industry consultation process was under way and would include site visits to Victoria, NSW and Tasmania to inspect several racing and training tracks.

“There have been Saturdays where both the Brisbane and Gold Coast meetings have been abandoned due to wet weather, costing the industry $1 million in revenue,” he said.

“Having a synthetic surface for emergency back-up will greatly assist the industry during major wet weather events.”

Parnell said synthetic track technology had “improved significantly” in recent years.