THE committee of the Rockhampton Jockey Club last night endorsed their members’ decision to partner with Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) in the development of a company that will own the land and existing infrastructure at Callaghan Park.
Rockhampton Jockey Club (RJC) chairman, Mr Justin Doyle said the RJC has a long history of working with the control body to improve the racing product in and around Rockhampton.
“The committee and membership of the Rockhampton Jockey Club value this association and look forward to improving the facilities at Callaghan Park for racing stakeholders, members and the general public,” said Mr Doyle.“The racing landscape has changed significantly in recent years and it is time that the racing industry looks to the future and addresses the external threats to this wonderful industry.
“The partnership with QRL will enable the RJC to focus on enhancing our member and corporate facilities to improve the experience to Callaghan Park patrons, whilst also providing an opportunity to diversify the facilities to enable the venues to be used for non-racing related events.
“Importantly, the club will no longer be burdened with the financial responsibility of providing high quality racing and training facilities with this being taken over by Queensland Racing.”
QRL chairman, Mr Bob Bentley, said the chairman, committee and membership of the RJC are to be congratulated for their vision and selfless approach to encourage the expansion of the central Queensland racing industry.
“This decision paves the way for the formulation of a company similar to that in place at Corbould Park, where the Rockhampton Jockey Club will take full responsibility for member and public facilities and Queensland Racing will assume responsibility for the costs associated with providing top quality racing and training facilities,” said Mr Bentley.
“This model is the way of the future and will ensure the industry will be positioned to repel the challenges from external market forces and improve the product delivered to on and off course consumers.
“The strong working relationship between the Rockhampton Jockey Club and Queensland Racing has already seen a $6.5m investment into the facilities at Callaghan Park and a priority of the new company will be to undertake a major review of the remaining infrastructure to ensure it provides the best possible returns for all concerned.”
QUEENSLAND RACING MEDIA RELEASE
Media contact:
For QRL chairman Mr Bob Bentley call QRL senior communications officer Hollie Roberts on 07 3869 9760 or RJC chairman Mr Justin Doyle on 0418 185 965.
