Media Release
1 July 2008
Planning a new future for Toowoomba
Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) and the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) will begin a new detailed plan for a synthetic track at Toowoomba immediately.
QRL Chairman Mr Bob Bentley said the new surface will replace the grass course proper and will give Toowoomba a sustainable future as part of the racing program for South East Queensland.
“The decision to replace the course proper with a synthetic surface was made by the TTC Chairman and committee after all available options were considered given the critical water shortage in the region,” Mr Bentley said.
TTC Chairman Mr Neville Stewart added: “The current situation of 50 mega litres of water being carted to the current grass track is no longer a viable or responsible option.”
“The grass surface can no longer be sustained as a safe racing surface under this practice,” Mr Stewart said.
Mr Bentley said the Clifford Park track is the second installation following the Sunshine Coast installation and is part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to sustainable water usage.
“The installation of the new synthetic track and associated infrastructure will cost in the vicinity of $10 Million and is a joint venture project funded between the Bligh Government and QRL,” Mr Bentley said.
“The new synthetic track will provide a vastly improved racing and training surface for all stakeholders bearing in mind the contribution that Toowoomba trainers and owners make to the racing sustainability of metropolitan Brisbane.”
For further information please contact QRL’s Senior Communication Officer Claire Power on (07) 3869 9760.
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