From David Southwick’s website – http://www.davidsouthwick.com.au/fun-run.html
Over the past 6 years, the Melbourne Racing Club has sought to expand the accessibility of the Caulfield Racecourse for the community. Through community consultation, and discussions with local government and David Southwick MP, the MRC have funded a $1.8 million upgrade to the public facilities therein.
Glen Eira Debates 
April 21, 2013 at 12:34 PM
Quoting Lipshutz quoting Goebbels – repeat a lie often enough and long enough and people might start believing it and these people are all experts at it
April 21, 2013 at 1:44 PM
We can now add plagarism to Southwick’s questionable abilities – the above is a direct quote from the MRC’s website and Southwick doesn’t even acknowledge it.
And far from spending the past 6 years seeking to expand the communities access to the Centre of the Racecourse the MRC has been doing the exact opposite (locked gates, neglect, use as a storage facility, the C60 proposal to convert the centre into a permanent carpark). Even though Southwick campaigned on this issue I don’t suppose we can expect someone who can’t remember his own academic qualifications or employment history to remember back 3 years.
April 21, 2013 at 7:53 PM
When Southwick announced the ‘fun run’ in parliament, he spoke of a ‘synthetic running track’. What he deliberately failed to mention is that this track was never designed with human beings in mind – it is all for the horses. This from the MRC is quite ironic, given that it comes from their page advertising the fun run! –
“Polytrack
Participants in the Caulfield Racecourse Run will be running on the new Polytrack at Caulfield Racecourse.
Polytrack is a synthetic racetrack surface combination of chopped synthetic long and short fibres, clef elastic fibres, and a high-grade industrial washed silica sand, all blended with a wax coating.
Benefits of Polytrack:
No irrigation system required
Dust free
Excellent climatic tolerance
*Cushioning effect – sympathetic to the horse
*Provides secure footing for the horse – hence improves confidence and performance
Very good energy return with sound root structure
Adaptable going to complement different types of work”
Poor old humans have to settle for a ‘running track’ that’s concrete because we seriously doubt whether any human feet will ever be permitted to tread this sandheap again!
April 21, 2013 at 9:54 PM
No one ran on concrete today. The sand track was used. Everyone had a great day. $50,000 was raised for dozens of local organisations. The Bendigo Bank gave away $5000 in prize money. My kids had a great time and want to know when the next run will be held. The Caulfield Rotary did a great job. If they have another run there Bill from Bentleigh should consider having a go. Forget about the politics join in with the community and have some fun.
April 24, 2013 at 7:57 AM
Incidentally I was there and unfortunately witnessed Southwick’s extolling of his and MRC’s efforts on behalf of the community. A complete an utter fabrication – both the extent on his involvement and the extent to which the MRC considers and supports the community.
I really don’t think it is asking too much of the state member for Caulfield to remember his election promises or do some research on recent evernts before he speaks.
April 22, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Minister’s Media Release –
Caulfield Racecourse, no longer just the domain of racing greats
Sunday, 21 April 2013
From the Minister for Environment and Climate Change
The Caulfield community now has access to improved recreational facilities as a result of a $1.8 million upgrade of the Caulfield Racecourse centre reserve.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today officially opened the new facilities during a community day and fun run at the racecourse. Mr Smith was joined by Member for Caulfield David Southwick.
Mr Smith said the upgrade, undertaken by the Melbourne Racing Club, included recreational precincts, a 1.6 kilometre running track, exercise stations, a dog-off-leash park, boardwalk, barbecue area and new public car parking.
“Race-goers have been flocking to Caulfield for more than a century to watch some of the best thoroughbreds go through their paces,” Mr Smith said.
“Caulfield Racecourse is internationally recognised as a premium racetrack and now as a result of these new facilities, this wonderful asset can be enjoyed all year round, serving as a great meeting place for the community.”
Mr Smith said the redevelopment was the result of several years of work between Melbourne Racing Club, Trustees of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, Glen Eira Council and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
“I would like to congratulate Melbourne Racing Club on all it has invested in the reserve and for hosting a wonderful day to mark the opening,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Southwick said he was delighted by the large turnout for the event, with several hundred people taking part in the fun run and many more joining in the celebrations.
“It is great to see so many people out here today, actively enjoying what I am sure will become one of Melbourne’s most popular recreational reserves, ” Mr Southwick said.
Public access to the centre reserve will be available from 9.45am to sunset all year round including normal race days, with the exception of major events.
April 22, 2013 at 9:10 PM
Its a bit hard to forget about politics when participating in the Community Day at Caulfield Racecourse—David’s portrait was prominently displayed, along with a reminder that he was “Liberal for Caulfield”. Anyway it was good to see so many people there, many I suspect visiting the centre for the first time. Given the lack of signage, somebody sensibly put a few small sandwich boards up with arrows. The carpark itself couldn’t be used for cars since that’s where marquees were pitched but Security were plentiful and able to direct cars to alternate locations. There’s still no sign of a path or access from Neerim Rd to the informal junior soccer field. The new access hours don’t appear to match the Agreement, which I interpreted to mean 9:30 to sunset up to 352 days a year from all 4 entrances. Instead Neerim Rd and Glen Eira Rd access starts at 9:45, and Neerim Rd is to remain closed 1:30-4:00pm.