THE Magic Millions Racing Company need to come to the party and sign a much longer term contract to ensure the State Government funded redevelopment deal for the Gold Coast Turf Club is secured.

Liberal National Party (LNP) spokesman for Racing, Mr Ray Stevens, said today that the Magic Millions’ owners need to commit to a longer term contract, which will see the redevelopment deal go ahead with no impediments.

“Signing for twelve months at a time is ridiculous. They need to sign a contract for a longer period to enable the State Government to be able to fund appropriate infrastructure.

“The State Government need to look at what the Gold Coast Turf Club and the Magic Millions Carnival needs, or negotiations with the State Government will continue to be stalled.

“The Magic Millions’ owners have been racing at the Gold Coast Turf Club track since 1987 and they need to negotiate a contract that commits to it for another 10 to 20 years.

“This is the best way for all the parties to get what they want, with much needed improvement to the facilities at the Bundall track being in dire need of State Government funding.

“Negotiations between the Gold Coast Turf Club, the State Government’s racing authority, Queensland Racing, and the Magic Millions’ owners need to address all relative issues without the impediments of threats, coercion or takeovers being mentioned.

“Surely a mutual interest position can be reached with positive negotiation.

“I call on the Minister for Racing and the Treasurer to sort out this mess and to negotiate a long term commitment from Magic Millions to ensure appropriate funding is given to the much needed upgrade of the Gold Coast Turf Club”, Mr Stevens concluded.

 

Media Contact: Mr Ray Stevens MP on 0417 750 503