The ongoing transformation of Townsville Turf Club is set to continue with 92 on-course stables approved for construction at Cluden Park as part of an exciting new $10 million project.
The project is being co-funded with a $7.8 million contribution from the Miles Government's Racing Infrastructure Fund and $2.2 million from Racing Queensland.
The new stables will be housed across five barns adjacent to the racecourse's back straight, with new feed rooms, wash down bays and horse exercise machines also included in the project.
Improved road access and sealed parking have also been incorporated into the project design.
Works are set to commence in July 2024 through local contractor A Gabrielli Constructions, with the project also supporting 50 local construction jobs.
Completion of the new project is anticipated in early 2025.
Successive State Labor Governments have delivered significant infrastructure improvements at Cluden Park since 2015.
Some of the infrastructure delivered at Cluden Park since then includes 100 new tie-up stalls, a refurbishment of the steward tower, and a new irrigated fibre sand training track.
The racing industry is going from strength to strength in Townsville, contributing more than $75 million to the local economy in 2022-23 – an increase of 142% since Labor came to office in 2015.
As stated by Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:
"Racing in North Queensland continues to thrive and this new infrastructure at Cluden Park will ensure industry can keep pace with the growing demand for infrastructure.
"More and more trainers are choosing to race in the Sunshine State and we are building the facilities to accommodate them.
"We've already delivered new stabling on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, and Townsville is next in line.
"This project will be music to the ears of the 2,700 racing participants in the Townsville region, who are now on track for an even brighter future.
"It's also great news for local jobs and the local economy, with the project set to support more than 50 jobs throughout the construction phase."
As stated by Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:
"This is a huge investment in our horse racing sector in North Queensland.
A facility that now provides a high standard and quality infrastructure for our racing community and encourages more to invest in the sport and allows for more social events as well such as Ladies Day, the Townsville Cup, conferences, community events and more."
As stated by Townsville Turf Club Chairman Geoff Weeks:
Townsville Turf Club Chairman Geoff Weeks said this announcement was warmly welcomed by the club and its stakeholders.
"This stabling project will add to the club's reputation as being a destination training facility for North Queensland-based participants," Mr Weeks said.
"Having new stables and the modern amenities that come as a part of the project will allow more trainers access to what will be some of the most sought-after facilities in North Queensland.
"With our new fibre sand track, the new stables are set to add to the region's allure."
As stated by Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott:
"This project forms a part of RQ's strategic objective to increase state-wide on-course stabling.
"Increasing the number of on-course stables across the state has been a priority of RQ's over recent years, and we are delighted to assist in delivering this exciting project for the Townsville Turf Club," Mr Scott said.
