Calls from a group of residents concerned with the future of Longford Racecourse have been listened to, with the Northern Midlands Council to develop a master plan and specific area plan for the site.
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A group of Longford residents were concerned the future of Australia's oldest continuous racecourse would be threatened if land near the track was rezoned to allow high density housing.
The council has announced it will work with Tasracing to develop a master plan, and an overlay for the site and immediate surrounds, to ensure any development keeps with the role and function of the racecourse.
Neil Tubb, of Longford Local District Committee, is one who has been calling to future-proof the racecourse. Upon hearing the council's plans, he said the SAP would prevent high density development.
"It's very good," he said.
"The district committee has been pushing for it and it's finally happened.
"The only negative is while this is all happening they can still develop. So until we know for sure that overlay is in place, and approved so they can't build, in the meantime they can just keep going."
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The master plan will outline proposed redevelopment of the area, including:
- improvements to existing infrastructure such as the amenities, grandstand and track
- upgrades to parking and options for increased parking
- additional equestrian facilities, horse stalls, marquee area
- pedestrian and separate vehicle underpass connection to the infield area
- a horse trail strategy to consider the establishment of a stable and trail
Community and racing industry consultation on the master plan and SAP will begin in coming months.
The council's mayor Mary Knowles said the site was a vital part of the town's identity and the council planned to enhance the role and function of it for investment in the future.
"It will also assist council to achieve significant environmental improvements through a whole-of-site approach to environmentally sustainable design, based on three key themes: energy, water, and waste," she said.
"The Longford Races have been held continuously since 1845 and Longford is still home to many horse-training facilities.
"Council wants to assure the community that this space will continue to be valued, and possible future development will ensure the long-term vitality of the racecourse site."
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Tasracing chief executive officer Paul Eriksson said the company welcomed the opportunity to participate in the process.
"Our long-term focus is to see the Longford Cup community race day continue to flourish while at the same time developing the facility as one of two key northern-based training venues for thoroughbreds," he said.
"We also see benefit in the broader equestrian community utilising the proposed multi-use facility going forward."
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