Page 739 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 17 March 2015
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government to investigate the co-location of the three racing codes following a report by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission into the ACT racing industry.
Deloitte Access Economics was engaged to conduct the co-location study, in consultation with the three racing codes—the Canberra Racing Club, the Canberra Harness Racing Club and the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club. Exhibition Park in Canberra—EPIC—was also included in this study, given its close proximity to Thoroughbred Park, its current status as landlord for the harness club and the likely efficiencies that could be realised by co-locating these facilities more broadly.
Consultation with stakeholders was a very important part of the project. All three racing codes, as well as EPIC management, were consulted and provided the opportunity to comment on the draft report.
The study assessed 10 options for how co-location of the territory’s racing clubs could be achieved. The options were grouped around three venues—at Thoroughbred Park, at a greenfield site or at the current greyhound club site in Symonston.
For the ACT racing industry and EPIC, co-location may offer a number of benefits, including increased scale of operations, shared facilities and reduced administration and maintenance costs. Co-location also provides the opportunity for the racing industry to develop a racing entertainment precinct, beyond what each code can achieve independently.
The study found that without the proceeds from redevelopment as part of urban renewal, the government would be unable to finance the co-location options, noting that the cost of options varies between $20 million and $220 million.
In conclusion, the analysis suggests a number of options worthy of further consideration, which entails either all clubs and EPIC co-locating to a greenfield site or a permutation of these entities moving to a greenfield site—and freeing up land for urban development.
In view of the findings and the comments provided by the racing clubs and EPIC, the government has decided to undertake further work examining the functions and land use at EPIC and the co-location of the Canberra Harness Racing Club.
The government has also provided a commitment to the Canberra Racing Club and the Greyhound Racing Club that no further work will be undertaken in the meantime regarding the relocation of these clubs from their current sites.
I have tabled the co-location feasibility study for the Assembly’s interest.
Planning and Development Act 2007—variations Nos 304, 336 and 338 to the territory plan
Papers and statement by minister
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Parking, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for
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