Wagga Wagga Showground Harness Paceway

About this Item
Speakers - Schipp Mr Joseph; Face Mr Jack
Business - Private Members Statements

WAGGA WAGGA SHOWGROUND HARNESS PACEWAY

Mr SCHIPP (Wagga Wagga) [6.07 p.m.]: I acknowledge the presence in the Chamber of the Minister for Gaming and Racing and thank him and his staff for the courtesy they have afforded me in relation to this matter during the time of his ministry. I refer to the spectator viewing facilities at Wagga Wagga showground. During a $2.2 million development, the inside of the harness paceway track was lowered, leaving a retaining wall on the side of the spectators’ concourse which is approximately two metres above the track. As a consequence, patrons who stand along the safety fence block the view of those behind. A plan for a new grandstand is a long way down the track. The Minister has inspected the paceway on at least two occasions. Everyone who has attended a race night, even in a moderate size crowd, would notice the
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problem. Approximately a third of the crowd can see the horses coming down the main straight and the view of the rest of the crowd is blocked by the people on the concourse.

That problem is restricting the progress of harness racing at that track. I do not expect the Minister to be able to take direct action because of the transitional arrangements that exist before the privatisation of the Totalizator Agency Board, but I seek his support. Projects to the value of more than $100,000 are referred to the body that administers a particular code of racing, in this case the Harness Racing Authority, and the body then makes endorsements. With the Minister’s blessing I have spoken to officers of the Harness Racing Authority who understand the problems and are supportive of the project. A cloud has been hanging over the Wagga Wagga Harness Racing Club because of disputes within the committee. I believe those disputes are now in the past, and Michael Cummings and Tony Mullins, the Chairman and Secretary of the Harness Racing Authority, agree. The committee is heading forward and leaving behind the problems of the past.

The proposal involves the tiering of the slope down to the concourse to provide about 1,800 places for spectators at a cost of about $150,000, which is not huge. There was doubt about where the 20 per cent contribution to meet the requirements of the racecourse development committee formula would come from. I do not have it in writing tonight but I have had discussions with the Wagga Wagga Show Society and it is prepared to bear its share, if not more than its share, of the project. It is believed that arrangements can be made with the harness racing club to support it over two or three years to meet its share. Night racing at the showground for this season finishes on 29 April with a TAB meeting. After the winter period the showground will move into the show circuit. There is a four month window of opportunity. While the plans are drawn, there is a tendering and contracting process which will delay matters. So in reality there is a 2½ to three month period for completion of the project. That is why early approval is required.

In my last conversation with the chairman of the Harness Racing Authority, Mr Cummings, he said that he would have the project reviewed on the basis that the 20 per cent of funding could be found. I understand that there was legitimate concern that the money may not have been available. But I can say now that almost assuredly within the next few days evidence can be produced that the 20 per cent can be found. That should help the project along. I am basically now asking the Minister to do what he can, to give the project a nudge along, so that we do not miss the three or four month window of opportunity, thus delaying the project for another 12 months. Harness racing is losing out: it cannot progress while this problem exists.

Mr FACE (Charlestown - Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development) [6.12 p.m.]: I thank the honourable member for Wagga Wagga for bringing this matter to the attention of the House tonight. An application for funding to build tiered seating and related renovations to improve spectator viewing facilities has been made by the Wagga Wagga Harness Racing Club to the Racecourse Development Committee. I am advised that the club has approached the Racecourse Development Committee regarding certain improvements. This matter has been the subject of ongoing discussions between the committee, the Wagga Wagga Showground Society, the harness club and the local greyhound club. The proposal was again considered by the Racecourse Development Committee on 25 February 1998. Under the agreement reached between the Government and the racing industry during negotiations on Totalizator Agency Board privatisation, proposals of this magnitude are to be referred to the relevant controlling body for consideration. I am informed that the proposal has been referred to Harness Racing New South Wales for consideration.

I have also had drawn to my attention that the club has experienced some financial and administrative difficulties during the last 18 months or so. In this regard, my department and Harness Racing New South Wales have provided financial and administrative advice to the club. My advice is that the club’s new committee is in the process of making substantial improvements to the club’s financial position. I understand the need for spectators to be able to view the concluding stages of a race and I am sympathetic to the early resolution of the matter. The honourable member for Wagga Wagga has an abiding interest. The overcoming of financial problems has been a relevant factor. I am sympathetic to the situation in the important regional centre of Wagga Wagga and want it addressed as soon as possible. Accordingly, I have asked Harness Racing New South Wales to consider this matter at the earliest opportunity and to liaise with the Racecourse Development Committee regarding the application for funds for the club. I am cognisant of the fact that there is a time factor in relation to the project. The problems with the administration have been more than overcome.

Private members’ statements noted.

[Mr Deputy-Speaker left the chair at 6.14 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m.]

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