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‘We were not on the same page’ in horse racing negotiations- Premier
During the Question and Answer segment of the February 13, 2025, House of Assembly session, Hon Turnbull pressed the Premier for a clear update on negotiations to facilitate the return of horse racing to the territory—a sport he described as a “cherished national tradition” that contributes significantly to cultural heritage, economic activity, and community spirit.
In response, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the Government’s commitment to reinstating horse racing and recognised the sport’s deep cultural and economic significance.
‘Ongoing effort’
Asked directly on the status of negotiations with private landowners, the Premier admitted that discussions had not yet resulted in an agreement.
“We have not yet been able to secure the existing facility to continue horse racing or any other facility,” he conceded, adding, “That is an ongoing effort which is being made.”
Hon Turnbull, dissatisfied with the Premier’s initial response, pointed out that the Government's focus on gaming and betting legislation, while important, would only be relevant if horse racing activity itself resumed.
“The gaming and betting and all of that nice stuff is only a complement, if you have horse racing in return, so where are we with the negotiations with the landowners, if you can say so, and what can be done?”
‘We were not on the same page’- Premier
Premier Wheatley then confirmed that despite previous exchanges with at least one of the private landowners, the parties had not reached common ground.
“We have not been able to yet secure any agreement between the government and at least one of the owners of the property at the racetrack; So, you know, we continue exploring options for a site that could facilitate the return of horse racing.”
Hon Turnbull enquiring further of the Premier on when the last meeting, correspondence, or negotiation occurred regarding the unresolved landowner issue was told bluntly, “I can’t recall the last date. Of course, there would have been phone conversations, intermediaries, letters, meetings; I can’t recall the last date where any contact was made but, of course, it was made very clear with the last exchange that we were not on the same page.”
The landowners–the Downs—are four separate estates.
The last horse racing card occurred at Ellis Thomas Downs on August 2, 2022, as negotiations with the Thomas family over the land lease collapsed over price and fair market value, and what the government of the day was willing to pay.
The sporting facility, once attracting throngs, is presently an eyesore, akin to a wasteland with tall bushes, rocks, and overgrown trees.
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17 Responses to “‘We were not on the same page’ in horse racing negotiations- Premier”
That piece of land can produce a certain amount of food, same can the now unused land in Paraquita's Bay, if managed wisely.
Note: Aproximately two weeks ago I bought two (2) cases of medium sized eggs from One Mark store at $4.99 each. Last night I had attempted 2 but two more, but but one (1) because each was priced $9.50 plus. Was a miscalculation made?, probably yes, probably not.
With minimum wages promised at $9.50, minimum wages earners should be paid at least $10.00 an hours to help them survive in this time of high cost of basic needs.
Is cocktail fighting, dog fighting, and strip clubs activities any better than drugs use, and gambling? Can a house devided stand for long without a firm foundation?
How come you got 63 likes and only 3 dislike for this nonsense you commente, and this comment may only get probably less that half, if that much?