Written by Keely Mckitterick
During a Budget Estimates hearing on Wednesday, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns addressed the topic of the proposed sale of Rosehill Racecourse. In December, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) announced a proposal to sell the racecourse for $5 billion and build 25,000 homes in its place, which has sparked heated debate.
Earlier this month, The Thoroughbred Report sought comments from racing identities Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller, who expressed strong opposition to the sale and criticised Racing NSW and the ATC.
However, during Wednesday's hearing, Premier Minns suggested that the proposal may not proceed as planned due to “irreconcilable differences” between the ATC and the government on issues like the disposal of property, the size of the rezoning, the density of housing and the amount of open space.
Minns emphasised that the proposal would not proceed without the support of the ATC members and that the NSW government must be comfortable with the proposal. He also confirmed that the ATC is still in the process of consulting with members, trainers and industry participants about the potential sale of Rosehill Gardens.
Chris Minns
Minns stated to parliament, “There may be a dealbreaker for one or both of those sides, but in fairness to the government, we made that clear when the announcement was made.”
The ATC has stated that it is committed to a long and detailed process and will continue to work with the NSW government on this proposal. However, Liberal Upper House MP Damien Tudehope questioned why a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between the government and the ATC while the proposal was still in its infancy.
Premier Minns expressed his belief that the sale could be a great opportunity for New South Wales if everyone can align, but he also made it clear that the proposal is still subject to the desire of the ATC members.
“If it were to come to fruition it would be a great opportunity for NSW, again I made it clear on the date of announcement this was not a done deal. This has to go through the ATC. The NSW Government has to be comfortable with the proposal.”
“If it (the sale of Rosehill) were to come to fruition it would be a great opportunity for NSW, again I made it clear on the date of announcement this was not a done deal. This has to go through the ATC.” - Chris Minns
