Racing NSW's governance rule to see change to Murrumbidgee Turf Club board

MTC members are set to receive information to consider a special resolution replacing the constitution in its entirety, that will be voted on at an extraordinary meeting on October 7.

The main change is centred around a restructure of the board to comply with Racing NSW’s governance rules.

MTC was issued $1.3 million in funding from Racing NSW, of which about half has been spent, but must change their governance structure if they are to get their hands on the rest of the money.

MTC has previously opposed the changes but will now recommend them to their members, in a bid to be eligible for further funding from Racing NSW.

“It is (neccessary), as far as Racing NSW is concerned,” MTC president Stuart Lamont said.

“It’s something we’ve been against for some time but unless we comply with Racing NSW’s governance rules then we won’t get any more funding.”

The changes will see MTC’s board reduced by one. It was set to be more but MTC successfully negotiated two more directors.

Eight directors will be elected by members at the annual general meeting in November, while four will be appointed by a selection panel, consisting of at least one Racing NSW representative, after that.

Goulburn and Port Macquarie are two country clubs that have already complied with Racing NSW’s new requirements, with more set to follow.

MTC has earmarked the majority of the remaining funding for improvements to their sand training tracks, but must make the changes before being given the green light.

Lamont said it was disappointing that changes needed to be made at MTC, who has a proud history of strong governance with successful results to back that up.

“I’m only speaking for myself...our board itself has always been very active, it’s been a very successful board and I don’t see any need for change,” he said.

Despite this, Lamont said MTC members should vote for the changes.

“Our message to members is that it must happen,” he said.

“The board has put a lot of thought into this and we all see that we have to restructure our governance to get that funding.

“There doesn’t seem to be any other option.”

MTC will put forward to “modernise” their constitution given it has not been amended since 1994.

The extraordinary meeting will be held at 6.30pm.