Imagine if Rosehill Racecourse was relocated to somewhere near Picton, Wilton or Tahmoor.
Or even Bargo and Thirlmere.
It doesn’t sound like a serious proposition; more like a cheeky suggestion from Wollondilly Shire Council trying to make a point about wanting less housing and more leisure facilities down there.
But no, they are serious, it seems, and see it as a move that would help address Sydney’s housing crisis while stimulating the local economy.
The “move’’ Wollondilly Shire Council refers to is offering itself up as the ideal new home for the Australian Turf Club (ATC) if Rosehill Racecourse has to be relocated to make way for housing.
In light of recent discussions on the potential redevelopment of the Rosehill Gardens site for up to 25,000 homes, council says it is writing to the NSW Premier Chris Minns and the ATC inviting them to explore the feasibility and benefits of relocating to the Wollondilly Shire.
Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said that such a move would align with his council’s strategic vision for economic and community development as a significant driver of job creation and also support broader regional objectives.
“The Wollondilly Shire represents an opportunity for the Australian Turf Club to not only find a new home but to be part of a visionary project that supports the equine industry, enhances our rural character, and contributes to solving the housing crisis in Greater Sydney,’’ he said.
“Wollondilly has a rich heritage of supporting rural and equine industries. The move to our region would bolster this sector, benefiting from synergies with existing institutions like the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and the University of Sydney’s agricultural programs.
“The initiative also aligns with our commitment to protecting and enhancing our rural lands and offers a model for sustainable development that respects our environmental assets and rural character,’’ Mayor Gould said.
“While Wollondilly is already contributing to regional housing supply through developments in Wilton and Appin, the relocation of the ATC would enable a fresh approach to housing, focusing on where it is most needed and ensuring that new communities are well-integrated with local infrastructure and services.
“We believe that our proposal offers a win-win solution for the community, the equine industry, and the broader goals of economic and sustainable development in NSW,” he said.
