Racing NSW has approached Eurobodalla Shire Council to purchase the Moruya Racecourse.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council released a statement on Tuesday, August 7, saying it would consider a report to sell the course at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 13.
It said Racing NSW had asked to purchase the course at Donnellys Road, Moruya, opposite the Moruya Airport.
"Moruya Jockey Club supports the proposal," the council spokesperson said.
Council's manager of property and commercial services Andrew Greenway said "the proposed purchase was a part of Racing NSW $98.5M investment in racing across NSW".
"In making the offer to Council, Racing NSW has indicated the land would continue to be used indefinitely for the purpose of thoroughbred racing and training, with the land subject to a 50-year lease to the Moruya Jockey Club, who have given full support to the proposed sale," Mr Greenway said.
"Currently the jockey club pay rent to the council, which is given back to the Moruya Racecourse Management Committee for reinvestment at the racecourse.
"A significant portion of the existing buildings and improvements at the racecourse were provided by Racing NSW grants. The purchase of the racecourse is part of their plans for further investment."
Mr Greenway said the council welcomed comment.
"During the public notice period, the council will offer to meet with racecourse stakeholders, including trainers and residents of Donnelly Drive," he said.
The council said "owners of the adjacent freehold dwellings would continue to have right of carriageway access via Donnelly Drive, and Racing NSW has confirmed it does not object to St John's Ambulance use of a building at the racecourse under existing conditions".
The proposal would be displayed for a month and then another report would be lodged with the council.