ANOTHER big step in the development of a new harness racing facility for Tamworth was taken last week with the purchase of the Burgmanns Ln block by Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) finalised.
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HRNSW announced on Friday the settlement for the 40ha site at the junction of the New England Highway had occurred on Tuesday, with the organisation’s chief executive, Sam Nati, describing it as “an important outcome for the modernisation of our infrastructure”.
He said it was one of two significant milestones in the past week – the other being a decision by Wagga Wagga City Council to progress the sale of a block to HRNSW for another new racing precinct.
Meanwhile, the proposal to rezone the Burgmanns Ln site to allow for the development of new harness racing headquarters for the area came after a public exhibition in mid-April and is now in the hands of Tamworth Regional Council planners.
A spokesman for the council said the submissions on the proposal were being assessed by planners and they weren’t yet in a position to reveal how many had been received or the nature of any concerns.
Once they have finished the assessment process, a report will come back to council.
If the proposal and subsequent development application is approved, it will pave the way for construction of a 1000m harness racing track, clubhouse, marquee, stables and parade ring.
Harness racing in Tamworth is currently conducted at the Tamworth Showground Paceway, but the track does not meet industry standards.
On Friday Mr Nati said HRNSW’s ambitious infrastructure plan included new developments at Tamworth, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Menangle (Training Centre), and upgrades at Penrith and Newcastle.
