New Track @ Bathurst gets the Green Light

Bathurst Gets Go Ahead

Tuesday 19 September 2012

The Board of Harness Racing NSW has resolved to proceed with the much anticipated new racing precinct in Bathurst.

HRNSW Chairman Graeme Campbell said: “This is a very exciting project and a significant investment in the future of the industry in the hub of the Western Districts.

“Bathurst, as a region, represents a broad cross section of our business including breeding and participation which really is the grassroots.”

The new facility on a Greenfields site will cost $7.5million with HRNSW providing the bulk of funds.

The Bathurst Regional Council, through in-kind support,and the Bathurst Harness Racing Club are the other parties contributing to the project.

Bathurst Harness Racing Club President Mark Collinssaid: “The new facility, including a 1000m track, will provide a much safer and faster racing environment for our locally trained horses and will also provide a much needed pathway for these horses when the opportunities arise to gravitate to the expansive 1400m racing track at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

“I would like to personally thank the management and Board of HRNSW for their patience, in what has been a lengthy process to this point.



“I would also like to thank Rex Horne, the Chairmanof the Infrastructure Sub Committee, for his valuable assistance. Rex brought to the table, a vast array of knowledge acquired through his involvement with the redevelopment of Tabcorp Park Menangle.



“Also it would be remiss of me not to mention the involvement and commitment shown by Bathurst Regional Council to this project. From the staff, right through to every Councillor, this Club was encouraged tomove forward with this project and I can’t thank them enough.



“To my Board, staff and management, thank you for your input, it has been a team effort and we all look forward to seeing the fruits of your hard work over the next 12 months.”



The next phase of the precinct’s development is the lodging of a DA and work is expected to commence January 2013.



Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across theState. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.

To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name:
Sam Nati
Position:
Chief Executive
Phone:
(02) 97226600
Email:
snati@hrnsw.com.au