Published Thursday, 14 June, 2007 at 02:25 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland
The Honourable Craig Wallace
STUDY TO INVESTIGATE RELOCATING TOWNSVILLE SHOWGROUNDS
June 14, 2007
STUDY TO INVESTIGATE RELOCATING TOWNSVILLE SHOWGROUNDS
TOWNSVILLE: The State Government will investigate relocating the Townsville Showgrounds, Deputy Premier Anna Bligh announced today.
Ms Bligh made the announcement with the Minister responsible for the showgrounds, Craig Wallace and local member, Speaker Mike Reynolds.
Ms Bligh said a consultant would be appointed to carry out a detailed study into the existing showgrounds in Woolcock St. The study will look at State Government-owned sites that could be used for new showgrounds, such as land on the Bohle plains.
“Townsville has grown strongly and facilities which were once on the edge of the city are now surrounded by suburbs,” Ms Bligh said.
“It may be that the showgrounds have outgrown their present site. Relocation to less built-up areas could open the way for new and better activities, such as improved facilities for motor sport and large music events.
“If the study recommends the showgrounds should be moved, proceeds from the sale of the old site would be used for the relocation.”
Mr Wallace said the review was a great opportunity to ensure the people of Townsville and Thuringowa could enjoy first-class community facilities for generations to come. He said recent community debate about holding speedway events at the showgrounds, including noise issues, had underlined that it was time to consider relocating.
“The study will look at issues such as noise at the present site. New showgrounds further from the city centre could provide improved facilities including better parking, more motor sport and live music, such as rock concerts,” said Mr Wallace, the Minister for Natural Resources and Water.
Mr Reynolds said if the showgrounds were relocated, greyhound racing would be moved as well. The study also would look at the best use of the Woolcock St site if there was a move.
“Subject to the planning report recommendations and the final decisions on the showgrounds, the State Government will be able to consider alternative uses of the land,” he said.
Mr Reynolds said no decision would be made until proper processes had been followed, including communication with all stakeholders. Tenders for the study are expected to be called almost immediately. The study should be completed by the end of the year.
Media contract: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900, Minister Wallace’s Office: 3896 3689
STUDY TO INVESTIGATE RELOCATING TOWNSVILLE SHOWGROUNDS
TOWNSVILLE: The State Government will investigate relocating the Townsville Showgrounds, Deputy Premier Anna Bligh announced today.
Ms Bligh made the announcement with the Minister responsible for the showgrounds, Craig Wallace and local member, Speaker Mike Reynolds.
Ms Bligh said a consultant would be appointed to carry out a detailed study into the existing showgrounds in Woolcock St. The study will look at State Government-owned sites that could be used for new showgrounds, such as land on the Bohle plains.
“Townsville has grown strongly and facilities which were once on the edge of the city are now surrounded by suburbs,” Ms Bligh said.
“It may be that the showgrounds have outgrown their present site. Relocation to less built-up areas could open the way for new and better activities, such as improved facilities for motor sport and large music events.
“If the study recommends the showgrounds should be moved, proceeds from the sale of the old site would be used for the relocation.”
Mr Wallace said the review was a great opportunity to ensure the people of Townsville and Thuringowa could enjoy first-class community facilities for generations to come. He said recent community debate about holding speedway events at the showgrounds, including noise issues, had underlined that it was time to consider relocating.
“The study will look at issues such as noise at the present site. New showgrounds further from the city centre could provide improved facilities including better parking, more motor sport and live music, such as rock concerts,” said Mr Wallace, the Minister for Natural Resources and Water.
Mr Reynolds said if the showgrounds were relocated, greyhound racing would be moved as well. The study also would look at the best use of the Woolcock St site if there was a move.
“Subject to the planning report recommendations and the final decisions on the showgrounds, the State Government will be able to consider alternative uses of the land,” he said.
Mr Reynolds said no decision would be made until proper processes had been followed, including communication with all stakeholders. Tenders for the study are expected to be called almost immediately. The study should be completed by the end of the year.
Media contract: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900, Minister Wallace’s Office: 3896 3689