DUBBO Turf Club's standing as one of the premier facilities in the central west has been confirmed by Racing NSW, with more than $1.5 million set to be spent on improving facilities at the city's racecourse.
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New club chairman Michael Edwards confirmed on Thursday $1.55 million had been secured from the sport's governing body that will be put towards a new sand slow-work track and additional raceday tie-up stalls.
Approval has also been given separately for the club to source tenders for works to improve the female jockeys room and stewards office, as well as incorporate a viewing deck outside the current members area.
The funding has been allocated from the money Racing NSW secured as part of its legal victory against corporate bookmakers and race fields legislation, but comes with conditions.
"This would require a governance change that would see the appointment of independent directors as well as the club's elected directors," Racing NSW's general manager - industry and analysis Scott Kennedy said yesterday.
"This governance process has occurred and is occurring elsewhere.
"The funding has been earmarked from race fields monies for the Dubbo Turf Club, which is key to racing in the region."
Despite that clause being in place, Edwards is adamant it doesn't mean Racing NSW is taking control of the club's board.
After last month's annual general meeting the board has six elected members - Edwards, Terry Bye, John Barnes, David Meathrel, Kel Turner and Marcia Fowler - with three people to be added to that board by a selection panel.
"That panel will be put together and we will then call for nominees for those three positions," Edwards said.
"The idea behind it is that we will be able to add to to the diversity and skill set of the people we currently have on the board.
"To do this we will have to call an extraordinary meeting to propose amendments to our constitution but it's important that we get the correct message out there that this is in no way a takeover of the club by Racing NSW."
The turf club will open up the tender process in the near future, with Edwards indicating he expects work to start in the early part of 2015.
"It's a high priority for us to get these works done but we have to call for tenders and go through the processes there but we'll be working on getting things done as soon as possible," he said.
"To be granted these funds I think is testament to the confidence shown in the new board and it's a positive step for our club."
