Putting
Racing Politics Aside
Wednesday 4 November, 2009:
The recent
committee elections at the Gold Coast Turf Club were another example of how
embattled our industry
has become
with regard to boardroom politics.
The amount of propaganda and advertising prior to the election reached
record levels.
Personally, I’m starting to wonder if the traditional structures of our race
clubs are really working. I guess that’s why I’ve avoided getting into the
fray myself.
Petty personal politics will always be associated with these positions, and
I certainly don’t envy any of the current or past board members.
But regardless of which candidates you supported, the members have voted and
the election is over.
The club and the stakeholders on the Gold Coast cannot afford any
more battles.
I hope that the new board and management can work closely with Queensland
Racing and Magic Millions to make sure the Gold Coast continues to progress
forward as a racing and training centre.
The Magic Millions contract is up again after 2010, and there is no
guarantee the race series will remain on the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast and Queensland needs events like the Magic Millions to
continue to place us on the national and international stage.
Whilst we all enjoy ‘Racing Every Saturday’ at the Gold Coast,
surely
we must
aspire to much more than just run of the mill
$10,000
races?
Everyone agrees the existing Bundall facility needs major upgrades in
several areas to come up to speed.
Perhaps a professional mediator is needed to bring all parties together to
obtain the most suitable outcomes for stakeholders?
Someone skilled at the
very
top level of
business, experienced at bringing government, business and industry
together.
Perhaps this
someone might even be a major owner and breeder, with a large investment in
the area?
No clues,
but I’m sure if we looked hard enough around the Gold Coast, there might be
a very, very
good candidate for such a role right within our midst’s?
(Grant Morgan)
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Grant Morgan
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