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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2007-11-22 Daily Xml
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VICTORIA PARK REDEVELOPMENT

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, a question about Victoria Park.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: On Adelaide radio recently the Premier was quoted as saying,

We're sort of committed—

I repeat, 'sort of committed'—

to the Victoria Park redevelopment but we can't do it without the partnership of the corporation of the city council and I have to say it's sort of a five ring circus down there...ultimately they risk—I think the city council risk losing racing from Victoria Park.

The government recently indicated that it is still keen to negotiate with the Adelaide City Council but we have not been updated as to how this is progressing. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the South Australian Jockey Club is delighted with the strong result from the sale of Cheltenham Racecourse in the sum of $85 million. The South Australian Jockey Club is still very keen and committed to investing in the redevelopment of Victoria Park. Its chairman, John Naffine, yesterday stated that the Jockey Club would not walk away from its commitment. My question is: will the racing minister and the Leader of the Government in this place confirm their 100 per cent commitment to the Victoria Park redevelopment, or is their support for the project galloping away?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:37): I think the racing industry will get past the post in terms of getting better facilities. First, in relation to Cheltenham, I am very pleased at the good result that the SAJC achieved and, of course, this government and, in particular, the officers in my department put in a lot of work to ensure that the development plan amendment for the Cheltenham Racecourse was very smoothly and efficiently handled and that, of course, has enabled the outcome the SAJC had yesterday.

In relation to Victoria Park, as the Premier has said, we will be having discussions with the Adelaide City Council. I indicated that last week in answer to a question asked about this matter. The city council has just been elected and is a newly formed council. The council has indicated that, whilst it did take the decision to oppose the lease, it is prepared to have discussions on the future of Victoria Park.

The government will take it up on that offer, and one would hope that, as a result of negotiations, an outcome can be reached whereby racing (and also motor car racing) will continue at Victoria Park, as I am sure it will, with improved facilities. That is the situation at the moment. The government will have discussions with the council and we certainly look forward to the city council at least being cooperative in seeking a solution to ensure that racing continues at Victoria Park, as it has done for the last century or more.

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