Historic day for Barcaldine racing with opening of new turf track

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe will head trackside at Barcaldine today to unveil the new turf track at the historic town’s Tree of Knowledge Cup meeting.

Mr Hinchliffe said the new turf track, replacing a previous sand track, was a massive step forward for the race club.

"Barcaldine has a proud racing history and it’s now the first racecourse in Western Queensland to get a turf race track,” he said.

“The new turf track at Barcaldine will be a game-changer for local racing, and for racing in Western Queensland.

“It gives owners and trainers the chance to compete on turf, without having to travel vast distances to racing centres further towards the coast.

“And I can’t think of a better occasion to christen the new turf track than the Tree of Knowledge Cup meeting.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the club had spent around $600,000 upgrading its track.

“Racing Queensland has agreed in-principle to support an application from the club to access infrastructure funding for a contribution through our Country Racing Package,” he said.

“This unprecedented package, worth $70 million over four years, has widespread industry support.

“It will secure the future of country racing for years to come.

“The Palaszczuk Government will continue to support country racing, and the important role it plays in regional communities throughout Queensland.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548