Horseracing on the Gold Coast is galloping towards having a world-class facility with three major players collaborating to finalise the business case for the Gold Coast Turf Club upgrade.
Queensland Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government, Racing Queensland and the turf club were working together to ensure that the business case was a strong launchpad for the night racing lights, world-class training track and upgrades to the course proper.
"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," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"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.
"The Palaszczuk Government is 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 said the project was entering an exciting phase.
"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," Mr Cook said.
"The hard work by the State Government to deliver this infrastructure project for the Gold Coast needs to be applauded.
"It's very important to the whole racing industry in Queensland, and the employment opportunities a project like this brings to the Gold Coast should not be underestimated."
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell welcomed the move.
"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," he said.
