Straight training track being considered as part of Lark Hill complex

10/9/95

A straight training track two to three kilometres long is being considered as part of the Lark Hill thoroughbred training complex.

Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans outlined the plan to representatives of the City of Rockingham and the Southern Districts Thoroughbred Racing Association (SDTRA) in his office on Friday.

Mr Evans said his colleague, Planning Minister Richard Lewis, had asked for a feasibility study of the project and the two would meet for discussions once this was completed.

The plan was to establish the track on a strip of land between the proposed Warnbro Sound Avenue and the existing eastern boundary of the Port Kennedy Scientific Park.

The strip of land would be 200 metres wide, allowing for a 100-metre track to accommodate two-way horse traffic, with 50-metre buffer zones on either side.

The land would be added to the Lark Hill lease held by the SDTRA, which would be responsible for fencing and track preparation costs.

Mr Evans said he had seen a similar training area at Chantilly in France during his visit to Britain and France earlier this year.

A long straight training area was important for the thoroughbred industry. 

At present, trainers in the Rockingham area used the beach for this purpose, but it was clear that development in the area was now proceeding so rapidly that access to the beach for horse training purposes would soon be lost.

The meeting with Mr Evans included the mayor of Rockingham, Fred Gardiner, the City's CEO Gary Holland, city planner Jeff Bradbury, consultant planner Greg Rowe, SDTRA president Len Pike, and consultant Barry MacKinnon.

Mr Evans reaffirmed to the meeting his strong support for the development of an outstanding training complex at Lark Hill.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 221 5468