The new-look Kilcoy Racecourse has officially opened.
During Friday’s meeting, more than 40 people were in attendance for the opening including Somerset Regional Council representatives, facility stakeholders, Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell and Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann.
The project features a shared barbecue space, indoor and outdoor dining area, tiered seating for 300 people, improvements to the betting ring and disability access, and a direct link to the Trackside Pavilion.
Somerset CEO Andrew Johnson said annual visitation at the facility was tipped to increase from 74,000 people to 100,000 in coming years.
“This is an investment in Kilcoy’s future – a community asset that will benefit a number of groups and build on the town’s already strong equine industry,” Mr Johnson said.
“Council is committed to the continued growth and prosperity of Kilcoy, demonstrated by the recent purchase of land adjoining this site and the approval of a 30-lot equestrian development to the north.
“I thank the Queensland Government for its funding support, and also acknowledge everyone involved in the design and construction process.”
The Kilcoy Racecourse re-development received $553,545 from the Somerset Regional Council, with the Palaszczuk Government providing a further $369,030 through the Building our Regions program.
Having witnessed the new facilities first-hand last week, Mr Parnell was up-beat by what he saw.
“The re-development is testament to the manner in which the respective tiers of government can collaborate for meaningful – and long-lasting – benefit to the regions, recognising the important economic and social role racing plays in Queensland communities,” he said.
“On an annual basis, close to 1500 thoroughbred participants are actively involved in racing in the region, providing more than $16 million to the local economy.
“As a result of these upgrades, I look forward to Kilcoy utilising its recent momentum to continue its forward trajectory – on and off the track – for the benefit of its members, the community and the industry more broadly.”