NIGHT RACING READY, SET ...

HORSE racing under lights on the Gold Coast is a step closer after the lodging of plans to erect 45m high lighting towers at the city turf club. Two years after it was first proposed, Racing Queensland has put up a development application to make it a reality in Bundall.

THERE’S light at the end of the tunnel – or top of a light pole – in a long-awaited bid to bring night racing to the Gold Coast.

Racing Queensland has lodged plans with the Gold Coast City Council to erect 10 45m lighting structures at the Gold Coast Turf Club to allow night racing, more than two years after it was first floated.

The state government allocated funding in 2018 as part of a proposed $28 million upgrade of the home of the glamour Magic Millions carnival, but it stalled at the barriers.

Planit Consulting, for Racing Queensland, this week lodged plans to upgrade lighting so night races can be beamed to TV viewers, especially in gambling-mad Asia.

The development application for a “material change of use” admits the towering lights will be close to nearby Crombie Ave homes, Bundall.

But it says a reduction in the number of approved lighting structures, from 15 separate 15m poles and one 30m pole to 10 separate 45m towers, “is considered to be a more efficient lighting structure layout and have less light spillage”.

Planit said an amended ”obtrusive lighting” report had found there would be “no lighting impacts” as a result of changes. Landscaping and an acoustic fence would “further aid in mitigating any perceived negative effects,”, the firm said.

“It is noted as part of the installation, shields shall be installed on the fitting facing Crombie Avenue and adjusted to minimise the spill/glare to residential properties,” it said.

Planit said while the club had operated there since 1946 before anyone lived there, it was important the new lights and night broadcasting had regard to the “amenity’ of the neighbourhood. Residents have until October 14 to comment.