News

Royal Randwick future secured as racing HQ

3rd Aug 2011

Daily Telegraph - Ray Thomas - Wednesday, 3 August 2011

NSW Racing Minister George Souris will today announce plans to amend legislation regarding the appointment of trustees and securing land use approvals at Royal Randwick.

With the Australian Turf Club preparing for a $150 million racecourse redevelopment, the minister said the new legislation is necessary to "safeguard the future of the iconic home of Australian racing".

Souris revealed he will replace the outdated system of lifetime trustee appointments with fixed terms, and new measures will also be introduced to safeguard the racecourse land.

"A new honorary trust will comprise three members and be appointed by the minister," Souris said. "Terms of up to five years will be introduced for the chairperson and up to four years for the other two trustees.

"Trustees will be eligible for reappointment at the expiry of their term of office. However, an overall maximum term of eight years will apply."

Randwick's $150 million makeover begins in November with the building of a new grandstand, mounting yard and stabling facilities during a planned 16-month construction period.

Souris said the legislative amendments also "provide an appropriate level of control over any future commercial uses of the lands to ensure they continue to be used principally as a racecourse".

"Randwick racecourse is the headquarters of racing," he said