Rezoning at Warwick Farm approved

SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP - The rezoning of two none-core areas of land at Warwick Farm will pave the way for the Australian Turf Club to implement its masterplan for the south western Sydney racecourse.

Liverpool City Council has approved the rezoning of Coopers Paddock and the leger area which is slated for development by thoroughbred auctioneers William Inglis & Son.

Warwick Farm is home to 800 horses in training led by the team from Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Australia.

The masterplan allows for a synthetic track to be installed and extra trails and riding tracks.

The rezoning comprises 10 hectares north of Governor Macquarie Drive for the use (subject to DA) of Inglis; 13.7 hectares south of Governor Macquarie Drive to be general industrial land for development and 15.9 hectares to be converted to public recreation space.

"The rezoning of this land is absolutely critical in the club's plans to renew the racecourse and its amenities for the racing and local communities alike," ATC chairman John Cornish said.

"More than a million people reside in the south-western Sydney corridor and it is important that we showcase our sport to this district.

"The sale and development of small parts of the precinct will enable us to make much needed investment in Warwick Farm.

"We are keen to encourage the local community, particularly young families, to get along to the races by putting in first-class facilities and providing race day events which appeal to not only current patrons but also tomorrow's racegoer."

The rezoning will allow for significant upgrades to roads in and around Governor Macquarie Drive, including the duplication of traffic lanes and the introduction of new traffic signals to improve access and safety to the area.

The ATC said it expected 700 full time jobs to be created through construction and on completion of the masterplan.