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Preliminary Master Plan for the Longford Racecourse released for public comment

Posted on November 12, 2021

A preliminary Master Plan for the Longford Racecourse precinct has been released for industry and community feedback.

Mayor, Mary Knowles OAM, said today the preliminary Master Plan, developed in partnership with Tasracing as the owners, recognised the historical and recreational importance of the Longford racecourse and its surrounds and aimed to safeguard the precinct against encroachment from residential housing sub-divisions.

“The Master Plan ensures any development of the area will be in keeping with the role and function of the racecourse.

“Council announced in April it would collaborate with Tasracing to develop a high-level Master Plan and Specific Area Plan to secure the precinct’s future and to ensure that, while giving it protection, the land also remains available for uses such as a vet centre and domestic animal boarding.

The preliminary Master Plan includes improvements to existing infrastructure, such as the amenities, creation of a public park and interpretation facilities as well as increased and improved upgrades to current parking and potentially even increased car parking opportunities,” Mayor Knowles said.

“The master planning process will also identify possible improvements to the track, including additional equestrian facilities, horse stalls and a marquee area.”

“It will also assist to achieve significant environmental improvements through a whole-of-site approach to environmentally sustainable design, based on three key themes: energy, water, and waste.”

Another of the proposals is for the preparation of an Area Horse Trail Strategy to consider the establishment of a stable and commencement point for a local horse trail.

The Longford Races have been held continuously since 1845 and Longford is still home to many horse-training facilities.

The Tasmanian racing industry and the community will be consulted on the preliminary Master Plan.

Council will next week write to adjoining property owners seeking comment on the Plan.

Feedback is welcome from all members of the community and horse racing fraternity, with public comment closing on 21 December 2021; and should be addressed to the General Manager at email address council@nmc.tas.gov.au or in writing to P O Box 156, Longford, Tasmania, 7301.

To view the preliminary Master Plan for the Longford Racecourse precinct, click on this link