The Townsville Turf Club is undergoing a significant transformation with the approval of plans for 92 new stables at its Cluden Park racecourse, part of a $10 million project. This development further enhances the facility’s standing as a premier racing destination in North Queensland.The Townsville Turf Club is undergoing a significant transformation with the approval of plans for 92 new stables at its Cluden Park racecourse, part of a $10 million project. This development further enhances the facility’s standing as a premier racing destination in North Queensland. The project, supported by the Miles Government’s Racing Infrastructure Fund ($7.8 million) and Racing Queensland ($2.2 million), involves constructing five sheds adjacent to the racecourse straight to house the new stables. Additional amenities include feeding areas, washing areas, and training machines for horses. Infrastructure improvements extend beyond horse facilities, with the project also incorporating enhanced road access and enclosed parking for competitors and spectators. Construction is scheduled to commence in July 2024, handled by local contractor A Gabrielli Constructions, creating approximately 50 local construction jobs. The project’s completion is anticipated in early 2025. This latest development adds to a series of enhancements made to Cluden Park since 2015, reflecting the growing strength of Townsville’s racing industry. These improvements include 100 new tie-down stalls, a modernized management tower, and a new irrigated fiber sand training track. The industry’s growth contributed over $75 million to the local economy in 2022-23, a remarkable 142% increase compared to 2015. Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace highlights the project’s importance, stating that it will ensure the industry meets the increasing demand for facilities and benefit the 2,700 race participants in the Townsville region. Townsville Turf Club Chairman Geoff Weeks welcomes the announcement, emphasizing that the project will bolster the club’s reputation as a training center for North Queensland competitors and make Cluden Park a highly sought-after facility in the region. Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott acknowledges the project’s strategic significance as part of RQ’s objective to expand on-track storage across the state. This $10 million investment in Cluden Park is a testament to the thriving racing industry in Townsville and will further solidify the city’s position as a key player in Queensland’s racing landscape.
The Townsville Turf Club is set to undergo a major transformation as plans for 92 new stables at its Cluden Park racecourse have been approved as part of a $10 million project.
This development marks another milestone in the facility’s continued improvement and reinforces its position as a leading racing destination in North Queensland.
The project, which is being co-funded by the Miles Government’s Racing Infrastructure Fund ($7.8 million) and Racing Queensland ($2.2 million), includes the construction of five sheds to house the new stables, adjacent to the racecourse straight.
In addition to the stables, the renovation also includes new feeding areas, washing areas and training machines for horses.
Infrastructure improvements are not limited to horse facilities.
The project also includes improved road access and enclosed parking, meeting the needs of both competitors and spectators.
Construction is expected to start in July 2024, led by local contractor A Gabrielli Constructions.
The project is expected to create 50 local construction jobs, boosting the local economy. Completion is expected in early 2025.
This latest development builds on a series of improvements made to Cluden Park since 2015, including 100 new tie-down stalls, a refurbished management tower and a new irrigated fibre sand training track.
These improvements reflect the growing strength of Townsville’s racing industry, which contributed more than $75 million to the local economy in 2022-23 – a remarkable 142 per cent increase compared to 2015.
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace emphasised the importance of the project, saying: “Racing in North Queensland continues to thrive and this new infrastructure at Cluden Park will ensure the industry can keep pace with the growing demand for facilities.”
She added that the project would benefit the 2,700 race participants in the Townsville region.
Townsville Turf Club Chairman Geoff Weeks welcomed the announcement and stressed that the project could enhance the club’s reputation.
“This stables project will add to the club’s reputation as a training centre for competitors from North Queensland,” Weeks said.
He noted that the new stables and modern facilities would ensure that Cluden Park’s facilities would be among the most sought-after in North Queensland.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott emphasised the strategic importance of the project, saying: “This project is part of RQ’s strategic objective to expand on-track storage across the state.
We are delighted to be able to help deliver this exciting project for the Townsville Turf Club.”
As Townsville’s racing industry continues to thrive, this $10 million investment in Cluden Park will further cement the city’s status as a key player in Queensland’s racing landscape.
