Rockhampton Jockey Club to receive improved facilities for female jockeys and flood resilience

Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park will receive $2.3 million to enhance its amenities for female jockeys while also providing much-needed flood resilience for the club.

At present, Rockhampton Jockey Club can only cater for four female jockeys in its current rooms. The major upgrade will take that number up to 15.

The upgrade to Callaghan Park, will also see improved flood resilience for the administration offices of the Rockhampton Jockey Club.

The new facilities are scheduled to be completed in time for the second running of The Archer next May.

QLD Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick advised “Our Government understands how important events like The Archer and this weekend’s Rockhampton Cup are to a city like this.

“It’s why we’re delivering a new, sustainable funding model for Racing Queensland which sees all bookmakers pay their fair share, no matter where they are based.”

Local State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke welcomed the upgrade to Callaghan Park noting “sitting beside the Fitzroy means Callaghan Park will always face some risk of flooding.

“By moving these offices up to the first floor we can reduce the impact of future natural disasters and allow RJC to get on with the job of delivering great events for our region.”

Local State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the new female change rooms were just the latest improvements at Callaghan Park that assist participants in the thoroughbred industry throughout Central Queensland.

“These new female-friendly facilities and improved flood resilience come after the delivery 40 new stables and eight feed rooms in March,” Lauga said.

RJC Chair Rob Carr said ongoing infrastructure improvements at the club had been warmly received and added “Rockhampton Jockey Club is one of the busiest racing facilities across the state with close to 40 meetings stage each year.

“Ours is the busiest racing club outside the South-East corner and a nursery for young jockeys and aspiring trainers.  

“The region hosts nine pony clubs, which are always a great starting point for track riders and potentially apprentice jockeys.  

“The RJC recognises the importance of racing to the state and its significance to the community in regional Australia.

“We are very appreciative of the State Government and Racing Queensland for their support.”

Racing Minister Grace Grace said Central Queensland was an essential part of the racing industry’s footprint and the project would deliver enhanced amenities for the club.

"Racing plays a key role in Central Queensland.  On an annual basis, it contributes more than $55 million to the local economy, while providing more than 450 full-time jobs.”

Image: Rockhampton Jockey Club courtesy Callaghan Park