Rockhampton Jockey Club takes the reins of local racing: Fraser

27 April 2007

Rockhampton Jockey Club takes the reins of local racing: Fraser

Racing in Rockhampton will be the major winner from the transfer of freehold ownership of the racecourse to the Rockhampton Jockey Club, Queensland Sports Minister Andrew Fraser said today.

Speaking at the official transfer of the Callaghan Park Racecourse from Government ownership to the Rockhampton Jockey Club, Mr Fraser said the handover was necessary to secure the future of racing in Rockhampton.

“The idea of Racecourse Trustees is an outdated concept in the modern commercial environment in which racing operates,” Mr Fraser said.

“The Rockhampton Jockey Club’s ownership of its racecourse is an important and exciting step in securing the club’s future.

“The Government believes that Queensland Racing and its member clubs are in the best position to administer racing in Queensland.”

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten welcomed the transfer of ownership as another step in the Government’s policy of returning key racecourses to their tenant race clubs.

“Removing red tape from club operations has already proven highly successful and I would expect that to continue,” he said.

“The Queensland Government has handed over $31 million in racecourse property to Queensland race clubs, including Clifford Park in Toowoomba, BunyaPark in Dalby, CludenPark in Townsville, OoraleaPark in Mackay, and tracks in Gatton and Bundamba.

“The Callaghan Park Racecourse is currently valued at $6 million.”

Rockhampton Jockey Club president Justin Doyle also welcomed the announcement that the club would take ownership of the site.

“The Rockhampton Jockey Club is almost as old as the Melbourne Cup, having been formed in 1868 and moving to CallaghanPark in 1898,” Mr Doyle said.

Media Contact: Chris Ward 3227 8821 0418 424 654