30 November 2016
In a dramatic but strategic change in direction Harness Racing NSW has successfully secured the Tamworth Showground property thus ensuring uninterrupted racing for the local Club.
Following an extended period on the open market the Showground property which is owned by the Tamworth Pastoral and Agricultural Association was open to final offers which closed last Thursday.
HRNSW were successful in its bid which was formally accepted by the Tamworth P & A Association executive this week.
For harness racing in Tamworth securing the property removed the possibility of a break in racing in the city, had the site been purchased by another owner developer with the planned new facility on the outskirts of the city still not progressed to the development application stage.
The purchase is a positive for harness racing in Tamworth, the North West Region and the Industry at large according to HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny.
“The purchase of the established track site has considerable positives not least that the racing schedule at Tamworth will proceed uninterrupted.” Dumesny said
“In securing this site the opportunities are endless especially in the harness racing activities.”
“I must stipulate the 2017 Tamworth Show will be held on its traditional site . . . the Tamworth Showground on March 24 and 25.”
“The HRNSW Board has made an immediate commitment to a substantive infrastructure spend on the Showground inclusive of members and public facilities as well as an all weather cover to the existing race stalls.”
“The ultimate aim is to convert the 200 permanent stables already in place at the track into an accessible training centre for the current and new participants which HRNSW will aim to attract to Tamworth.”
“Other works and strategies which enhance the productive capabilities for the property will be investigated in due course in consultation with the Board of the Tamworth Club however the priority commitments will be commenced even before settlement on February 1.”
“Working with both the Tamworth club directors and the Pastoral and Agricultural Association executive in this exercise has been a fulfilling experience and HRNSW looks forward to a cohesive transition in the ownership of the Showground.” Dumesny conclude.
Tamworth Pastoral and Agricultural Association President Brett Nies predicted the future direction of the Association and the Tamworth Show was encouraging and exciting.
“For us, as a group of volunteers the sale is a great outcome as it preserves the recreational use of the Showground and it secures the Associations viability in the long term future for the community of Tamworth.” President Brett Nies explained.
“We are always looking for new members and volunteers that like to bring new ideas for the Show each year.”
“This sale opens the door to a new era for the Association and the community, with the show dates moving to September in 2018 to the modern AELEC centre.”
“We very much look forward to working with AELEC Management and the support offered by the Tamworth Regional Council to reinvigorate the Show which has been conducted for over 145 years on a number of Showground sites in the City.”
“In accordance with our Constitution the P & A will retain a portion of the property as our base and administration office.” Mr Nies concluded.
Tamworth Deputy Chairman Robert Betts expressed the positive views of his fellow Board members in relation to the acquisition.
“This is an exciting opportunity taken at the right time which will ensure continuity of harness racing in Tamworth, with ownership of a North West facility renewing enthusiasm amongst THRC members.” Deputy Chairman Robert Betts stated.
“For all of the harness racing community these new and upgraded facilities will ensure the sustainability of harness racing in this region.” Mr Betts concluded.
Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Col Murray in discussions with HRNSW was fully supportive of the decision made for the continuation of harness racing on the Showground which preserved the proud tradition of the sport in the City on the iconic site and looked forward to further growth in this activity.
The immediacy of the offer was due to the closure of the offer period however HRNSW management had been undertaking costs analysis comparisons of the Showground and the green field site and other related industry impacts for some time. Investigations in relation to a valuation on the Showground property as well as heritage and contamination implications have been a prerequisite of the HRNSW discoveries.
For further information contact:
John Dumesny - CHIEF EXECUTIVE
p: (02) 9722 6600
Brett Nies - Tamworth P & A Association President
p: (02) 6764 4338