The Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) has announced the commencement of a Master Planning process to future-proof Clifford Park Racecourse.

TTC Chairman Kent Woodford said while Clifford Park had successfully hosted thoroughbred racing for more than 155 years, the club must now work with state and local government to revitalise the 36-hectare racing precinct, which is located just three kilometres from the Toowoomba CBD. “With the support of State and Local Governments and Racing Queensland, the club aims to conceptualise and create a state-of-the-art entertainment precinct that will attract investment and tourism opportunities to the region and grow the thoroughbred racing industry in Toowoomba,” he said.

Queensland Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe MP, who will visit the TTC on Sunday as part of the Toowoomba Region Mad Hatter’s Spring Race event, said the State Government was fully in support of race clubs pursuing the vision of self-sufficiency and maximising revenue opportunities at a local level.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Paul Antonio expressed his excitement at the upcoming Master Planning process. “The racing industry is a hugely valuable industry in our region. It provides an incredible economic stimulus and Council is excited to support the TTC in its ambition to take Clifford Park into the future,” Cr Antonio said.

Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell agreed, stating that many successful racing precincts had been realised through a considered master planning process. “Racing Queensland is delighted to provide support and expertise to the TTC for their Master Planning process,” he said. “We support all clubs having a clear vision for the future, including the potential for generating non-racing revenue, which will help support racing’s long-term viability and growth,” Brendan said.

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