Transformation of Townsville Turf Club continues with construction of a new $10 million project set to include 92 on-course stables.
The government reports the racing industry is going from strength to strength in Townsville, contributing more than $75 million to the local economy in FY23. This represents an increase of 142 per cent since 2015, when Labor came to office.
Successive State Labor Governments have delivered significant infrastructure improvements at the club, at Cluden Park.
The project is being co-funded with a $7.8 million contribution from the Miles Government’s Racing Infrastructure Fund and $2.2 million from Racing Queensland.
The new stables, housed across five barns adjacent to the racecourse’s back straight, will incorporate new feed rooms, wash down bays and horse exercise machines. There will also be improved road access and sealed parking.
Works are set to commence in July 2024 through local contractor A Gabrielli Constructions, with the project also supporting 50 local construction jobs.
Completion is anticipated in early 2025.
“Racing in North Queensland continues to thrive and this new infrastructure at Cluden Park will ensure industry can keep pace with the growing demand for infrastructure,” says Grace Grace, Minister for State Development and Infrastructure.
“More and more trainers are choosing to race in the Sunshine State and we are building the facilities to accommodate them.
“This project will be music to the ears of the 2,700 racing participants in the Townsville region, who are now on track for an even brighter future.”
