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MEDIA RELEASE
26 August 2008
Ipswich Turf Club Looks to the Future
The Ipswich Turf Club announced plans to redevelop a small parcel of their land at Tuesday‘s 2008 Annual General Meeting.
Chairman Wayne Patch made the announcement yesterday with the full support of the Ipswich Turf Club Board and Queensland Racing Ld. The decision is part of the Club’s strategy to overcome the financial challenges facing many sporting clubs, particularly those in the Racing industry.
Mr. Patch said “This decision was taken very seriously. The Board has been looking for a new source of revenue since about 2000. Our objective has always been to act responsibly and in the best interests of the Club and the community”.
The Ipswich Turf Club is one of Queensland’s most popular and successful racing venues, and hosts one of Ipswich’s largest events, the annual Ipswich Cup.
Mr. Patch said “this is a significant decision for a Club with a 120 year history, but times have changed and we’re acting now to secure the Club’s future for next 120 years”.
Mr. Patch said changes in technology had affected the traditional sources of income, wagering and race attendance, over the past thirty years.
“Today people can watch the races on Sky Channel TV from the comfort of their lounge rooms, they can place bets over the phone so fewer people are coming to the track. Our traditional sources of income have been seriously eroded”.
The redevelopment proposal was led by local developer Stephen Williams, a Director of Wingate Babcock, and includes the redevelopment of approximately 3Ha of land fronting Brisbane Road. The development outcome has not been finalised although it is expected to include relocation of the stables to make way for the development and also upgrades to existing facilities.
In addition to the redevelopment, Wingate Babcock will also work with the Ipswich Turf Club and their stakeholders to master plan an outcome for the inside of the track.
The proposal still requires the full approval and support of Ipswich City Council.
Ends
For Further Media Enquiries:
Mr. Brett Kitching Ms Eve Monement
0407 672 162 0458 458 180
General Manager, Ipswich Turf Club Development Manager, Wingate Babcock
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