Cairns Jockey Club upgrade now underway
Published Thursday, 06 December, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steve Dickson
Racing Minister Steve Dickson today turned the first sod on a $1.96 million makeover for the Cairns Jockey Club at Cannon Park.
Mr Dickson said the project would see the existing turf track completely rebuilt, the installation of a grassed access track suitable for ambulances and a much-needed renovation of the current stable facilities.
“The Newman Government is continuing to deliver on its pledge to rejuvenate the Queensland racing industry and projects like this are just one of the many ways we are rebuilding racing across the state,” Mr Dickson said.
“I am determined to create a sustainable future for Queensland racing and this regionally focused funding forms a big part of that commitment.
“This upgrade will provide a much needed boost to Cairns racing, allowing the club to attract stronger race fields and entice more patrons to the track.”
Cairns Jockey Club CEO Graham Thornton said the upgrade was vital to the future of the club.
“Race meetings at Cannon Park are constantly at risk of being cancelled, due to the rapid deterioration of the track when it rains. We have managed to achieve the best of both worlds, we have a highly qualified southern racecourse builder, utilising local contractors," Mr Thornton said.
"McMahons have built some of the best tracks in the country including Moonee Valley, Royal Randwick and Flemington.
“The upgrade will deliver a new irrigation system and improved water drainage, as well as consistent track cambers and new turf which will reduce the number of cancelled meetings and associated lost revenue.”
Local member Gavin King said the investment was part of the Newman Government’s $110 million dollar Racing Industry Capital Development’s Scheme, which is rejuvenating the industry’s capital infrastructure.
“These works will ensure the annual Cairns Cup and tourism award-winning Cairns Amateurs race day continue to thrive, with strong track patronage and increased investment in the thoroughbred racing industry,” Mr King said.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2013 but will be structured to fit around the Cairns racing program.
[ENDS] 6 December 2012
Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192
Mr Dickson said the project would see the existing turf track completely rebuilt, the installation of a grassed access track suitable for ambulances and a much-needed renovation of the current stable facilities.
“The Newman Government is continuing to deliver on its pledge to rejuvenate the Queensland racing industry and projects like this are just one of the many ways we are rebuilding racing across the state,” Mr Dickson said.
“I am determined to create a sustainable future for Queensland racing and this regionally focused funding forms a big part of that commitment.
“This upgrade will provide a much needed boost to Cairns racing, allowing the club to attract stronger race fields and entice more patrons to the track.”
Cairns Jockey Club CEO Graham Thornton said the upgrade was vital to the future of the club.
“Race meetings at Cannon Park are constantly at risk of being cancelled, due to the rapid deterioration of the track when it rains. We have managed to achieve the best of both worlds, we have a highly qualified southern racecourse builder, utilising local contractors," Mr Thornton said.
"McMahons have built some of the best tracks in the country including Moonee Valley, Royal Randwick and Flemington.
“The upgrade will deliver a new irrigation system and improved water drainage, as well as consistent track cambers and new turf which will reduce the number of cancelled meetings and associated lost revenue.”
Local member Gavin King said the investment was part of the Newman Government’s $110 million dollar Racing Industry Capital Development’s Scheme, which is rejuvenating the industry’s capital infrastructure.
“These works will ensure the annual Cairns Cup and tourism award-winning Cairns Amateurs race day continue to thrive, with strong track patronage and increased investment in the thoroughbred racing industry,” Mr King said.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2013 but will be structured to fit around the Cairns racing program.
[ENDS] 6 December 2012
Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192