Please take careful note of the David Southwick statements included in this media release and also the qualification – IF HORSE TRAINING IS REMOVED!

Friday 29 April 2011

Agreement on public use of Racecourse Centre

Glen Eira City Council and the Melbourne Racing Club have reached agreement on increased community use of the centre of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.

More facilities for the community to enjoy including a picnic area by the lake,  large dog off leash area, walking and jogging paths and a junior soccer pitch. The lake area will be available to the public 352 days a year and the whole of the centre on all days other than race days and major event days.

Additional access will be provided including a new pedestrian rout from Neerim Road across the racecourse, vehicle access through the tunnel after 9.30am with 20 car spaces reserved for the community and a separate footpath through the tunnel.

Fences will be converted to open up views across the Reserve starting with the corner of Neerim Rd and Queens Avenue. If horse training is transferred from Caulfield, additional areas will be added to Glenhuntly Park.

The Mayor, Cr Margaret Esakoff, said: “Council has been working to achieve public use of public land and we welcome the agreement for the benefits it will provide to our community”.

Melbourne Racing Club CEO Alasdair Robertson said that the Club and Council had worked closely together to deliver an outstanding result for the Community.“The MRC will provide a new $1.8 million public park in the racecourse infield. The MRC will pay for the design, landscaping, community facilities and ongoing maintenance of 5 recreational precincts.”

The infield public park will include new BBQ and picnic areas, a kid’s play area, shade and toilet facilities, a boardwalk around the lake including areas for fishing and a junior soccer pitch.

State Member for Caulfield, David Southwick MP worked with both parties to bring about the agreement. He said: “this is a great result for the people of Caulfield with the creation of new open space, new facilities and access to the Racecourse Reserve.” “I am very happy that I have been able to bring the Glen Eira Council and the Melbourne Racing Club together to facilitate this result and to promote greater access to this significant open space in Caulfield.” “Our community had real concerns about the lack of access to the inside of the track and about the low amount of open space in the City of Glen Eira. This agreement creates an excellent destination for a variety of recreational activities and will be greatly enjoyed by Caulfield families”

The Agreement and plans are on Council’s website.