DEVELOPERS have backed local trades to construct a controversial $6.5 million harness racing track in Cartwrights Hill.
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Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) has committed its support to the local economy by exclusively tendering the harness race track, two-storey clubhouse, 89 stables and designated parking, through local media outlets.
Having purchased the Cartwrights Hill site from council for $1 in 2013, the region’s first multimillion-dollar harness track was mired by nearby residents objecting to the development because of zoning, flooding, pollution and traffic concerns.
HRNSW chief John Dumesny said the imminent development “is all about the Riverina and local tradesmen”.
“We have not advertised anywhere else but Wagga and Albury and we want builders in the area to put in their resume, so they have the opportunity to build the track,” Mr Dumesny said.
“We expect we will have expressions of interest within a week and then we will give builders three weeks to look over plans and price the job, so we can get going on a 40-week build.”
Mr Dumesny said the larger track would pave the way for fairer and more even racing for competitors and punters alike and the more even surface would lengthen horses’ racing careers by reducing injuries.
Wagga mayor Rod Kendall acknowledged the project had drawn the ire of North Wagga residents, but expected the track to become a “treasured community facility” in years to come.
“I acknowledge the mixed opinion, but I think history will show it's been a good decision,” Cr Kendall said.
“It's a great move forward and I am absolutely confident it will become a treasured community facility for Cartwrights Hill and the wider community, including North Wagga.”
Former builder and harness driver John Hogan begged to differ, labelling the decision to build in a flood zone “stupid” and claiming “only politics got this through”.
Mr Hogan argued the track was being constructed in a primary production zone, was going to tender before council’s traffic committee had approved connecting roads and there were better sites in Wagga away from the floodplain.
“I'll give you 10 to 1 odds that by the end of the next one-in-100-year flood they'll have to rebuild,” Mr Hogan said.
“To build it in the middle of floodplain is absurd.”