Harness Racing
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WAGGA's new harness racing facility is progressing in the face of criticism after Wagga City Council agreed to the sale on the land required for the $6.5 million project on Monday night.
Council agreed to sell the land for $1 but highlighted the sale is subject to approval being granted for the development and for the construction to occur.
The land sale was the first of a number of steps required for the creation of the new facility but two concerned residents spoke at the policy and strategy committee meeting.
Increased noise and traffic concerns were raised by Cartwrights Hill residents Danial Grentell and Kevin Thomson as was the building the project on a flood plain
Councillor Garry Hiscock also spoke against the project labelling it flawed.
"I'm against this recommendation .. there's got to be a better place," Hiscock said.
"I believe we've let the city down by allowing this type of development to be built on a floodplain.
"It's a flawed site and one day it's going to get washed away, we can't deny that."
Harness Racing NSW chairman Rex Horne attended the meeting comparing the site to NSW's major track Menangle which is also built on a flood plain.
"We are a family sport and we want to work with this community and work with council in building a business plan which will be something very special to Wagga," Horne said.
"We understand that this is a flood zone, it is not unusual for harness racing, or any sport for that matter, to build in flood areas."
Wagga Harness Racing Club chief executive Graeme White said that the new track was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Riverina following the sale of Harold Park.
Councillor Alan Brown spoke in favour of the project believing the development will take into account the impact on the people around it.
"I think this development is critical for Wagga, it's a huge development that will bring new industry and new entertainment to the city ...it'll put us on the map," Brown said.
"I'm given great comfort about what I've heard tonight about the process which is going to be followed."
A development application must now be submitted by HRNSW and publicly displayed and will be considered by the Joint Regional Planning Panel due to the magnitude of the project.