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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-10-15 Daily Xml
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GAWLER RACECOURSE REDEVELOPMENT

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (14:21): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

An honourable member interjecting:

Mr PICCOLO: You can only wish, mate; you can only wish.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my left!

Members interjecting:

Mr PICCOLO: I am happy to wait.

The SPEAKER: The house will come to order!

Mr PICCOLO: Will the minister update the house on the redevelopment of the Gawler racecourse?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:22): I thank the honourable member for his question; he has certainly been a strong advocate for this project. I am pleased to advise that site works have commenced on the $12 million redevelopment of the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club's racecourse which will upgrade facilities to a metropolitan standard venue. The racecourse will be improved by a comprehensive upgrade and reconfiguration of the track infrastructure.

In addition, the project provides for construction of wetland and community stormwater drainage facilities, landscaping and a new multipurpose function centre. The multipurpose facility will also provide the local community with a convention centre suitable for a variety of events, including business conferences, educational training programs and wedding receptions.

With Victoria Park and Cheltenham Park racecourses closed, Allan Scott Park, Morphettville, has become South Australia's only metropolitan racing venue. The construction of a newly-designed track at Gawler will accommodate more race meetings and allow for competitive racing. Gawler at present conducts 12 race meetings per annum, which will increase to approximately 22 following the track upgrade. The racecourse is conveniently situated between the main road and the railway line and has the potential to draw larger crowds following a significant upgrade.

Additional race meetings, plus making the multipurpose function centre available for other community-based activities, is expected to generate greater investment and economic activity for the club and the Gawler and Barossa region. The state government has committed $6 million towards the upgrade. The balance of the funds will be sourced from the sale of 4.3 hectares of surplus land at the southern end of the racecourse. Thoroughbred Racing SA and the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club have identified land bordered by Main North Road and Barnett Street as being surplus to their needs following the reconfiguration of the track layout.

It is particularly satisfying to see the state's racing industry in such a strong and healthy position. The future certainly looks promising, and it is apparent that those within the industry are now getting on with the business of racing in a more confident and optimistic manner.

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