The Emerald Jockey Club is home to a brand-new semaphore board and broadcast tower.
The multi-story tower includes two fully enclosed and air-conditioned cabins on the second and third levels, with an open viewing platform on the first level.
The second level houses a finish line camera and race judges, while TV cameras and the race caller utilise the top level.
The initial build for the tower was completed by the Emerald-based HWC Pty Ltd, with the tower in place in time for the club’s maiden race meet for 2024.
Additionally, the new ALGE Semaphore board was imported and installed by Spilt Second Timing, with local business AB Power completing the electrical work on the board and tower.
In addition, the board has the ability to be upgraded to fully automatic timing in the future.
The $294,000 project was funded by Racing Queensland as part of the Asset Management program.
Assistant Racing Minister Julieanne Gilbert said the new judges and broadcast tower and semaphore board were important upgrades for the club that would enhance the race day experience ahead of the next race meeting on Saturday, May 18.
“Previously, racing officials had been using a manual board comprising of old slip-in numbers, with the board being hung out the window of the tower,” Assistant Minister Gilbert said.
“The project also included the removal of the old tower, which had narrow internal stairs that were deemed no longer fit for purpose.
“The Miles Government understands the economic and social benefits racing brings to communities in regional Queensland, and we are proud that our sustainable funding model for the industry continues to support important infrastructure projects like this one in Emerald.”
The Emerald Jockey Club hosts nine race days throughout the year - three of which are TAB meetings - including the Emerald 100 Race Day on Saturday, October 12, which usually attracts around 3,000 patrons.
Emerald Jockey Club Secretary Leigh-Ann Shields was full of praise for the infrastructure funding the club had received.
“For us it’s amazing, because if anyone had seen the previous old tower, they would understand what an absolute huge improvement it is to the club,” Shields said.
“The previous tower was no longer fit for purpose and was below minimum standard.
“We recently had our first race day with the new semaphore board and the patrons, the bookies, absolutely everybody made a comment about how wonderful it was and how great it looked - we look so flash now.
“As a small club, there is no way known that we could ever afford it or be able to do that ourselves…for Racing Queensland to help us out is just absolutely amazing.
“I also want to thank HWC who put the tower up for us and also AP Power who looked after us helping with the semaphore board.”
The club also recently received a new tractor as part of RQ’s new Country Club Asset Funding.