Tozer: site not right for hub race

A GOLD Coast councillor opposed to a $25 million showground and sporting hub in his own backyard does not believe the 54ha site is fit for racing.

Further clarifying his opposition to a proposal to have harness racing, greyhounds, polocrosse and grounds for large concerts and shows at Mudgeeraba, Cr Glenn Tozer said he had concerns about:

• The feasibility and impact of greyhound and racing infrastructure on the site.

• Those proposals which include racing not representing a good planning or community outcome.

• The site’s status as a floodplain, which meant there would be significant hydraulic challenges in developing it.

• That having a second showground in the suburb would damage the historic Mudgeeraba Show, which is held annually in June.

Cr Tozer said he supported community usage for the site, including a potential relocation of the Mudgeeraba Redbacks rugby league team.

“It is also my personal view, and the broader view of the community I represent who have contacted me, that the proposal including racing land uses does not represent a good planning outcome or a good community outcome,” he said.

“I welcome community uses on the site, such as grassroots sport like rugby league, AFL, cricket or polocrosse that can manage the evident hydraulic challenges on flat ground.

“Uses that require built form such as grandstands, stabling, fencing and other buildings may be incongruent with flooding challenges that eventuate on that site.”

The Bulletin last month revealed The Gold Coast Show and Gold Coast Harness Racing Club were in talks with Racing Queensland to support the redevelopment of the site off Somerset Drive.

The site, a floodplain, was bought by Turner’s Engineering, which was allowing the idea to be explored.

Cr Tozer was also concerned by the site’s proximity to the Mudgeeraba Show.

“The financial sustainability of this existing showground asset in Mudgeeraba may be impacted by other sites proposed nearby that provide similar leasable/rentable land use options, that generate revenue for shows,” he said.

Another possible site racing is in Alberton in city’s far north. for the