Council’s community development officer, Nathan Marshall, says the draft plan highlights the potential for the site once again to become a community hub.

“The Old Bega Racecourse once formed an important aspect of culture in the Bega Valley,” he said.

“Races were conducted there from December 1857, including the first Bega Cup in 1874.

“When the racecourse was decommissioned in 1999, Bega Valley Shire Council bought the land with a view to retaining it for community use.

“Since then it has been placed under the care and control of the On-Track committee, a committee of council.

“There has been wide-ranging consultation with the committee, potential user groups and the wider community during the development of a draft plan of management for the site to enable it to be developed and used for an array of community activities,” Mr Marshall said.

“The old racecourse is suitable for activities ranging from community gardens, horse and motorbike events and nature walks to outdoor cinema and theatre, concerts, markets and art and craft workshops,” he said.

“This is an exciting time as we move a step closer to seeing the Old Bega Racecourse return to being a major feature in Bega’s culture.

“It was an important feature in Bega’s community for 141 years and the draft plan shows that once again it can become a community hub.”

The implementation of the plan of management will reduce the need for council resources to maintain the asset.

The plan of management gives the committee a clear guide to the management of the site and therefore reduces the committee’s reliance on council’s resources and advice.

Council staff will continue to work with the committee to identify sources of external funding to assist with the development of the site.

Expressions of interest are to be sought for the renewal of the agricultural lease agreement and the introduction of a community gardens lease.

The draft plan of management for the Old Bega Racecourse will be on public exhibition until Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

Copies of the draft plan are available to view on council’s website or at council’s Bega office in Zingel Place, shire libraries, or at council community services offices at Shop 2 on the corner of Auckland and Upper Streets Bega (opposite the Police station).

For more information phone Simon Schweitzer on 6499 2460 or email sschweitzer@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Comments should be sent to the General Manager, Bega Valley Shire Council, PO Box 492, Bega 2550 or email council@begavalley.nsw.gov .au