Track works planned for ITC

Racing Queensland has advised the Ipswich Turf Club of plans to commence remediation of the course proper as part of its current re-development.
 
In order to do so, RQ will seek government approval to access an additional $6 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund which would take the total project cost to $19 million.
 
Since commencing the re-development, the emergence of asbestos and soil contaminants has significantly impacted the commercial building and jockey building project, with contractors being forced to remove 10-times the amount of earthworks originally forecast.
 
The additional RIF funding will cater for the increased civil works to complete the building and track remediation following a recent geotechnical engineering report and irrigation audit which revealed multiple issues impacting Bundamba.

The first step will be to replace the decades old irrigation infrastructure.
 
As a consequence of the increased scope of works and costs, ITC was also informed that the planned relocation of the club’s tie-up stalls would not be proceeding.
 
Works to complete the club’s new function centre including stewards and jockeys’ rooms are expected to conclude by August while new car parking will also be constructed.
 
“Racing Queensland has obligations to the entire industry, and while our infrastructure funds remain limited, we need to carefully balance our competing priorities and in this instance it is the course proper,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.