Collaboration aims to secure strong business case for Gold Coast Turf Club upgrade

The Queensland Government is collaborating with Racing Queensland and the Gold Coast Turf Club (GCTC) to ensure a strong business case for proposed night racing lights, world-class training track and upgrades to the course proper.

Queensland Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe advised “it’s important that we get this absolutely right, so we’ll be working within the parameters of the money available through the industry-funded Racing Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to ensure that the business case’s scope and final design are spot on.

“With the right business case, there’s a very real possibility that all work at the club will be done in time for the 2022 Magic Millions January carnival, without any disruption to the 2021 Magic Millions carnival being held on the Gold Coast.

“Having said that, the club has identified the synthetic training track as a priority to be completed as soon as possible.

Minister Hinchliffe added that the Queensland Government was committed to this process and working with all parties involved to deliver the best possible outcome for the club within the funding available.

GCTC chairman Brett Cook noted that the project was entering an exciting phase adding “with the Gold Coast already one of Australia’s most vibrant and popular destinations for domestic and overseas tourists, these initiatives will make us an international racing destination as well.”

Racing Queensland Chief Executive Brendan Parnell welcomed the move saying “it’s great that all the players involved – the Queensland Government, RQ and the Gold Coast Turf Club – are working together to ensure the final business case will work for our trainers, owners and jockeys but, most importantly, for all our visitors who want to enjoy a day at the races like no other.”