Boulia racetrack is gleaming with new facilities after Boulia Shire Council and the local race club was successful with local grants.
The disappointment of the cancellation of the annual campdraft and rodeo due to drought conditions was put aside on Saturday as a big local crowd came in to enjoy the Easter races and admire the new facilities at the track, about 3km outside of town.
A grant from the Drought Communities Funding Program as well as a contribution from Boulia Shire Council were put together to fund half a million dollars worth of improvements including a new 1.5km running rail and an office that includes a jockey’s change room, steward’s room, kitchen and male and female amenities.
The race club has also funded a new tower for stewards and race callers which also debutted at the races.
Boulia Mayor Rick Britton officially opened the change rooms and running rail which he said was an excellent facility which would have great benefit to the community.
“The (racecourse reserve) is not just used for one event but for many events into the future,” Cr Britton said.
Cr Britton said the old running rail was damaged in the 1997 floods and the new one would be appreciated by the racing industry and meet Queensland Racing obligations.
He thanked the race club and other community volunteers who worked on the project to remove the old sheds.
See Thursday’s paper for a report on the race meet.