The Marburg Pacing Association is home to brand new drivers’ rooms and a new judges and broadcast tower.
The venue now hosts separate male and female rooms with two toilets and two showers, as well as a gear storage room, common room with air conditioning and kitchenette, access to a television for replays and charging stations.
The judges and broadcast tower includes room for a camera and race caller on the upper level, with the middle level to house judges, QRIC officials and the photo finish camera.
The lower level of the tower will be used for administration or a punter’s lounge, with the entire facility made from shipping containers to add extra security.
The $575,000 project was funded by Racing Queensland and has been constructed by Johns Lyng Regional QLD.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the drivers’ rooms and judges and broadcast tower were an important upgrade for the Marburg club.
“Previously, participants had been using the toilets and showers of the Marburg Showgrounds without any dedicated drivers’ rooms,” Minister Grace said.
“With the Queensland Summer Harness Carnival already underway, the opening of the drivers’ rooms and new tower could not come at a better time.
“I want to thank Racing Queensland for their contribution to the construction of this centre and look forward to seeing it in use throughout the carnival.”
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said it was great to see the new facilities already in use.
“I congratulate Marburg Pacing Association President Gary Whitaker and his hard-working committee as well as Racing Queensland on these new facilities," Mr Madden said.
The Marburg Pacing Association hosts several feature race meetings throughout the year, including the Gold Strike Series at Easter, the Western Star during the Constellations Carnival and the Graham Harriott Memorial Day in October.
Marburg Pacing Association President Gary Whitaker was full of praise for the infrastructure funding the club had received for the new facility.
“This new building will be utilised by some of our most important race day officials, stewards and drivers, and will service the club for many years to come,” Whitaker said.
“Country racing is the lifeblood of rural towns and receiving this funding has enabled our club to improve facilities to bring them up to an outstanding level that will be greatly beneficial to all sections involved in racing.
“On behalf of the Marburg Pacing Association, I would like to sincerely thank Racing Queensland for their continued support and funding, as we would not have this opportunity to enhance our club without it.”