New multi-purpose tower for Mount Isa

The Mount Isa Race Club is home to a brand-new broadcast and judges’ tower in a huge boost to the country race club. 

The new tower, which sits adjacent to the finishing line, now accommodates the race caller, the primary television camera, as well as judges in the one facility, with much improved visibility of the track. 

The $427,000 tower was funded through Round 2 of the Country Club Asset Funding (CCAF) program. 

The tower was fabricated and installed by Veldon Group in collaboration with several local contractors. 

The tower installation is one of 41 projects at 36 country thoroughbred racing clubs across the State that received $3 million worth of infrastructure grants through the second round of the CCAF program. 

Racing Minister Tim Mander said the new tower was an important upgrade for the North West-based club.

"Country racing is the lifeblood of the industry across the Sunshine State, and we are pleased to see this new tower delivered at Mount Isa,” Mr Mander said. 

“More than 80 of Queensland’s 119 racing clubs are in communities where a race meeting is the biggest or second biggest annual event, signifying the vital importance of our investment in these asset and maintenance projects.

“Racing also helps to support almost 15,000 jobs across the state, and the Country Club Asset Funding program ensures that employment is sustained in the industry.” 

Mount Isa Race Club president Jay Morris said the project was a much-needed boost for the club, which hosts 15 meetings every year. 

“The last tower we had, the vantage point wasn’t as high and the judges and the race caller were side-by-side, so it wasn’t ideal,” Mr Morris said. 

“The new installation is brand-new and air-conditioned…we called out of it at our last meeting (August 23) and the judges are very happy with it. 

“I want to say thanks to Racing Queensland who did a good job in coordinating everything, and thanks to the local contractors.” 

Click here for more information on the CCAF.