Dear Editor

 

News that Racing Queensland Limited has withdrawn it's development application for Deagon racetrack is welcome. Better still, our hardworking local thoroughbred trainers, their staff and family will remain at Deagon.

 

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of members of the local community in speaking up for what they believe- writing submissions and signing petitions to explain to Racing Queensland what the community wants.

 

The minimal level of consultation with the community has been unsatisfactory, bordering on insulting, so I have written to ask that Racing Queensland establishes a Community Reference Group to guide the development of any future plans for the Deagon Racetrack.

 

I acknowledge that Racing Queensland is a private company and owns the racetrack land, but the Queensland Government has supported the racing industry across Queensland with substantial grants and this local community deserves to be genuinely engaged. Racing Queensland headquarters are based in Deagon and they need to start acting like a member of this community.

 

I look forward to seeing a positive plan for the future, supported by our community and with the training facilities for our thoroughbred industry guaranteed.

 

 

Your Sincerely

 

Vicky Darling MP

MEMBER FOR SANDGATE

3 February 2012

 

 Stepping up for Local Trainers

17 January 2012   Member for Sandgate Vicky Darling has today reignited calls to keep thoroughbred training at Deagon Racecourse following an announcement by Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) that could see a proposal to build greyhound racing facilities on the site scrapped. Ms Darling said the announcement today by RQL was sensible and shows the organisation is finally listening to the Deagon community. "Today's announcement from RQL is an opportunity to re-evaluate the proposed redevelopment at Deagon Racecourse," Ms Darling said. "Importantly it's an opportunity to take greyhound racing facilities out of the plans and keep the Deagon horse trainers who don't want to be relocated.

Ms Darling said she had written to the Racing Minister seeking an assurance that the future of Deagon would be considered in any recommendation put to Government by RQL when considering greyhound racing alternatives.

"I will be organising a meeting with local trainers and inviting the Minister and RQL to come along and hear why hard-working people like Pat Duff and Steele Ryan should be allowed to stay put and continue to ply their trade.

Ms Darling also urged Sandgate residents to lodge their submissions with Brisbane City Council on RQL's development application for Deagon.

"While today's news is a step in the right direction, I can only assume that until a decision is made the plans for Deagon stand and consultation remains open on the development application lodged by RQL with Brisbane City Council.

"I will be putting the finishing touches on my submission based on what I am hearing from our community.

"The major issues I will be focussing on are the forced relocation of our local trainers as well as the noise, traffic and lighting impacts of having two live, night-time racing venues right next to each other.

"I recognise that there are many views within my community, but the overwhelming majority of people do not want to see a massive redevelopment.

"I thank residents for their passion and commitment to protecting the amenity of our local area.