Starting work on the $1.1 million upgrade of the Moree Race Club’s main grandstand last week, Shay Brennan Construction Project Administrator James Vaclavik, Moree Race Club President Rob Mather, Northern Tablelands MP Adam, Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Moree Race Club Maintenance Manager John Brown, Moree Race Club Treasurer Shane Taunton and NSW Crown Lands Senior Property Management Officer Michelle Chittendon.
Monday, 21 March 2022
THE gates are open and work is galloping ahead on a $1.1 million stimulus upgrade at Moree Race Club, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Deputy Premier Paul Toole last week inspecting the start of major repair and upgrade works to the club’s main grandstand.
Mr Marshall said Tamworth-based company Shay Brennan Constructions had won the contract to deliver the project.
“Horse racing has a long history in the local area with the first Moree Cup held 140 years ago in 1881 and about half a dozen races hosted by Moree Race Club in an average year,” Mr Marshall said.
“This major upgrade will restore the grandstand to full use after concrete cancer weakened its structure and reduced its user capacity, due to safety concerns.
“A significant amount of planning has been undertaken since this grant was awarded, to ensure the Race Club again has a fit-for-purpose grandstand which meets the latest National Construction Code standards
“Racing is a major social event and also a regional tourism drawcard for the town so this investment will help stimulate the local economy, while providing residents and visitors with a first-class view of its track and racing action.”
Mr Toole said upgrades to the steel and concrete grandstand would include paving, balustrades, steel columns, sewer lines, and seating sections, as well as replacement of adjacent retaining walls, the installation of disabled access, and a new toilet block.
“Everyone loves a day at the races and now that great day out will come with on-course comfort to match in the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Toole said.
“These upgrades will give Moree Race Club the facilities it deserves and make the raceday experience at the track even more enjoyable for trainers, owners, punters, jockeys and other racing participants.
“These new facilities will draw even more people to town for a day at the track which means more money spent in local businesses at a time when we are focused on rebuilding regional economies.”
Funding was provided by Crown Lands’ COVID-19 stimulus program in 2020.