OORALEA racetrack is in line for an estimated $10 million makeover as Queensland Racing Limited looks to strengthen Mackay’s racing industry.

The Mackay Mercury reports today that: ‘Plans are afoot to improve the facility’s track, on-course stables and spectator facilities – a move that will boost crowd capacity and may double the racetrack’s horse population of 100.

It has also taken any relocation plans off the radar, with Mackay Turf Club members now looking forward to an exciting future at Ooralea.

The investment is part of an $80?million package from the State Government to improve racing facilities across Queensland.

Mackay Turf Club president Ian Joblin said his committee had been discussing the future of the Ooralea racetrack with QRL for 18 months.

Mr Joblin said concept plans were being drawn up and would soon be finalised. Construction was set to begin in the latter half of this year and would take at least six months to complete, he said.

The turf club will wait until after the Mackay Cup in July to get the transformation under way to avoid interruption to Mackay’s biggest race day.

The makeover is likely to result in some of the track’s facilities shutting down temporarily.

QRL chairman Bob Bentley said the total cost of the project would be about $10?million.

“That’s what’s estimated to be spent – it may be more,” he said.

“The Queensland Racing board has estimated this has to be spent on thoroughbred racing in Mackay. It is quite obvious they need an upgrade.”

Mr Joblin said the racetrack would be widened and sloping issues also addressed. More stables would be added, increasing the number of starters.

Improvements to spectator facilities still needed to be discussed, he said.

Mr Joblin said relocation had been off the Mackay Turf Club’s agenda for some time and it was going to stay that way given the estimated $10?million investment.

Queensland Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the infrastructure upgrade was one of many needed in Queensland to secure the future of all its racing codes.

“This funding is about supporting the $2?billion racing industry in Queensland, which includes protecting local economies, tourism and jobs for future generations.

“We want to help revitalise the industry’s ageing capital stock and provide a much- needed confidence boost for the racing industry as a whole.”

Mr Joblin thanked QRL and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin for their support.’

REPORT COURTESY OF THE MACKAY MERCURY