AN ex-local is calling for a new thoroughbred racing complex to be built in the Riverland to create employment and boost tourism.
Former Loxton resident Charles Neal, now of Geelong, said the Riverland was a prime location to build a local racing industry.
“The Riverland is a tightly knit region with three tightly knit councils, so the potential to promote a good complex there is a walk-up start in my opinion,” he said.
“Dryland farmers would be complemented by the additional feed that would be required, and the irrigation farmers would be the same.
“There are the irrigation facilities, dryland farming nearby and the scope for expansion.
“It’s all flat country with plenty of room to train horses – the Riverland’s got everything.”
The Riverland formerly hosted horse racing at a number of tracks across the region, with the disused Berri Racecourse last staging a meet in 1998.
Mr Neal, a former owner whose horses raced in Berri, said the Riverland was “sadly missing out” on an industry that was “growing at a massive rate”.
“There really should be a racecourse in the region and a number of trainers, and I think that would soon lead to quite a big breeding complex shortly after it got going,” he said.
“It’s a really good industry and the employment would be enormous for the area. Stable hands would be required, as would track riders, jockey apprenticeships and trainers.
“The employment opportunities that would be created just blow you away.
“I know the employment by racing here in Geelong is fantastic, and we’re nowhere near as big as I imagine the Riverland complex would be developed into…
“Because there are so many different towns, each of them could have a cup and it would bring those towns on board and get more people involved.”
Mr Neal said he had liaised remotely with Berri Barmera councillor Mike Fuller about potential locations, and had spoken with Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone on the phone.
“The South Australian Government is throwing a bit of money into the industry at the moment, because it’s realised the industry needs a jab, so I think it is a very opportune time for something to be done,” Mr Neal said.
“South Australia arguably has the best trainers in the country, but they all leave and come interstate because it is not supported well enough.
“The industry has the potential, it’s just a matter of better management and guidance.
“I just want to get the ball rolling and then I’ll get out of it.”
Mr Neal said he believed the Berri Barmera district, Loxton, or Kingston-On-Murray would be ideal locations for a horse racing complex.
Mr Fuller said although his involvement with Mr Neal had been limited, he would be in favour of constructing a racecourse in Berri Barmera.
“It would bring several positive benefits for the Riverland if we did reintroduce something like that, and it would bring external money into our local economy,” he said.
“I think (the State Government) should help facilitate it, because there isn’t the financial capacity in the Riverland to bring it to fruition, so the reality is that it will need government support.”