The Ipswich Turf Club (ITC) track will undergo a $350,000 restoration funded by Racing Queensland.

Work will commence today following the ITC meeting, with racing set to resume on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Racecourse Infrastructure & Operations Manager Bill Shuck will oversee the project as part of his secondment to Racing Queensland.

"These are necessary improvements to the course proper at Ipswich that will include removing the existing crown in the track surface and providing a more consistent racing surface."

ITC General Manager Brett Kitching said the club was grateful for the support from Racing Queensland.

"We must say thank you to Racing Queensland for recognising the importance of the ITC racecourse and for completing this work to enable improved racing conditions into the future," Mr Kitching said.

"While there will be a short-term disadvantage for our casual staff, members and patrons, the long-term benefit will provide a strong future for the club which we are looking forward to."

The renovation will be led by Cheshire Contractors Pty Ltd from north Queensland who were selected following a tender process.

Cheshire has been chosen to deliver this project due to their extensive knowledge and credentials of track restorations and for their prior sports turf construction experience including working as sub-contractors on the recently completed Toowoomba and Cairns Racecourse upgrades.

For further information on program changes, please refer to the Racing Queensland website www.racingqueensland.com.au<http://www.racingqueensland.com.au>

RQ MEDIA RELEASE