RACING PLAN A WINNER

GOLD Coast Turf Club is on the cusp of a bright new era as it embarks on its biggest and most ambitious redevelopment.

The $39 million masterplan maps out a clear vision for sustained success that should enshrine its prominent role in our tourism and events landscape.

Now, as it readies for its Gold Coast Cup meet this Saturday, the club is jockeying for State Government approval — and funding — of its proposal.

The redevelopment blueprint, unveiled in January last year, positions the club for growth across a number of fronts.

But importantly it recognises the need to significantly upgrade its training and main track facilities.

This aspect of the plan is critical to the club’s future.

The Eagle Farm track development debacle has brought Brisbane racing to its knees.

Its mismanagement is a cautionary tale for GCTC but also represents an opportunity.

Done right, this plan could firmly establish the Gold Coast as effectively a third metropolitan track after Eagle Farm and Doomben.

Plans for regular night racing that will coincide with Hong Kong meetings shrewdly open a door to the lucrative Asian market.

This is a smart strategy because it recognises the push by other big tourism players — notably The Star — to target this rapidly growing region.

Concept plans for a 300-room hotel on the home straight dovetails neatly into this narrative.

This will be complemented by boutique apartments in a redesigned Dome centre.

The Dome facility would also include a motel chain, residential apartments, childcare centre and day-spa for jockeys. There are also plans for more towers to bolster the balance sheet.

Upgrades to the adjacent Aquis Park training facilities, including a $7.3 million synthetic track, could lure topline trainers to the Coast, following the arrival of Sydney track stars Chris Waller and Gary Moore.

Already racing giant Godolphin and leading southern operation Snowden Racing have indicated they would consider opening Gold Coast stables once upgrades are complete.

Weighed against these laudable ambitions will be continuing disquiet over the handling of Black Swan Lake.

It would be unfortunate if valid concerns raised over Gold Coast Council’s conduct surrounding the controversial lake would tarnish the turf club’s considered push to future-proof its business.

The club has abided by the book in the Black Swan Lake process and it should not be punished if anyone else has fallen short of the mark.

This is a sensible masterplan that locks in a strategic masterplan for racing in this city.

If Treasury green-lights the plan, the training tracks could be completed within two years of the money being unlocked.

It is to be hoped the State Government backs this vision because by doing so they will be backing the Gold Coast.