Magazine: Negotiations to Merge Brisbane Turf Club
By Editor in Racing on 15th Aug 2008 6:00
The Brisbane Turf Club (BTC) is pinning its future on a successful merger with the Queensland Turf Club (QTC).
The Queensland Turf Club supports a merger, but last November Brisbane Turf Club members narrowly defeated a similar ballot. The BTC board says the club is operating at a loss because of last year's horse flu outbreak, falling attendances and increasing costs.
BTC chairman Wayne Milner says merging the clubs would provide cost savings and increased revenue and infrastructure. Another ballot will be held on August 8.
If the vote is successful, the two clubs will become the Brisbane Racing Club. Mr Milner says the Eagle Farm and Doomben race tracks would both be retained and upgraded.
He says plans are already underway for a new racing precinct on unused land at both clubs.
The two clubs have had preliminary talks with developer Watpac about planning an entertainment precinct on land which is surplus to racing needs along Lancaster and Nudgee roads, and Hampden St. The proposal is expected to include a convention centre and hotel.
The recommendation was expected because the BTC board was elected on a pro-merger ticket.
BTC members will have the final say on the merger, and 75 per cent approval of those who vote at a special general meeting of the BTC on August 8 is required for it to proceed.
BTC chairman Wayne Milner signalled the BTC would show a loss of more than $1 million for the past financial year.
Source & More: www.abc.net.au/news
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