Murrumbidgee Turf Club's (MTC) multi-million dollar stable complex is one step closer to reality with the lodgement of a development application (DA) this week.
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MTC president Geoff Harrison lodged a DA to Wagga City Council on Thursday for a $6.8 million commercial development on the club grounds.
The DA is a significant step in MTC's quest to build a brand new stable complex, something the club first signalled intentions of back in October, 2016.
The club's plans are in response to a shortage of boxes in Wagga with the proposed new complex set to accommodate more than 100 horses.
MTC chief executive Steve Keene described the lodgement as an important step forward in the process.
"It's a fantastic milestone for the club," Keene said.
"It's exciting to have some movement and to keep it pushing forward.
"We had all intentions of once the plans were drawn up, we always intended of getting DA approval then hopefully once funding comes along...we're shovel ready."
Funding remains the major hurdle in the process.
The MTC has been unsuccessful in one application for government funding but will continue to pursue those avenues at both state and federal level.
Seeking assistance from Racing NSW is another potential option.
"There is nothing at the moment...but that's not to say we won't secure something in the short term future," Keene said.
The proposed development, which is estimated to cost $6,859,618, is to be built on unutilised land on its north-eastern boundary, on the Beckwith Street side.
Wagga City Council unanimously approved consent to an application to NSW Crown Lands by the club for an adjustment to the boundary between the Wagga Cricket Ground Reserve and Wagga Wagga Racecourse Reserve in July last year.
The club also held a well-attended public meeting in May to address any concerns of nearby residents.
Keene believes the stable complex is crucial to the club's ongoing success.
"I think it's vital, not only for the club but the SDRA," he said.
"You've got a great training facility here with two quality grass tracks and three sand tracks so it would be great for the SDRA to have somewhere that it can attract trainers from interstate and develop it into a horse training hub.
"The flow on effect will not only be huge for the Wagga community, but the communities across the SDRA."
Only last month, outgoing MTC president Stuart Lamont described the lack of stabling in Wagga as the biggest challenge the club faces.
"It will absolutely transform the place and it will also means there will be continued growth at the club."
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