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Bunbury Trotting Track Upgrade
“It’s brilliant mate, absolutely brilliant”. Those were the words of prominent Bunbury horseman Andrew DeCampo when asked about the new state-of-the-art trotting track that has been built at Donaldson Park. The upgrade of the Bunbury track was the culmination of extensive research by TME Director of Engineering into the latest in trotting track technology. Research included a trip to Victoria where the best tracks in the state were visited and analysed to extract the best elements from all. Extensive research on the Internet and contacts with the fraternity within Australia and overseas resulted in a track which is rated as the fastest in Australia. With a tight budget and close control the final project was constructed to within 0.1% of the total budget price.
The project was recognised in 2002 with an Institution of Engineers WA Division Engineering Excellence Award and has led to further projects in Victoria with Harness Racing Victoria. Harvey Trotting Track TME were engaged by Western Australian Trotting Association and the Harvey Trotting Club to undertake the design and construction supervision of an upgrade to the existing 800 metre trotting track. The upgrade involved increasing the cambers on each of the bends to 6% and improving the infield drainage. A new internal training track was also created using the old shell grit base course from the previous track. All existing fences were retained in the new design and this kept the upgrade costs to a minimum. Northam Trotting Track TME were engaged by Western Australian Trotting Association and the Northam Trotting Club to undertake a review of the existing track design and to assess and report on options for the repair of the existing pavement. The works involved test holes into the existing pavement and full assessment of the pavement repair options. A full feature survey of the track was also undertaken and a concept design prepared for the future upgrade of the track and associated facilities.
York Trotting Track TME were engaged by Western Australian Trotting Association to undertake a review of the existing track and to determine if a new track could be constructed within the existing York Gallops track. The option of upgrading the existing track was also investigated so that the option could be considered in conjunction with the new facilities to be built at the recreation grounds.
Gloucester Park Trotting Track Perth TME were engaged by Western Australian Trotting Association to undertake a review of the existing track and to determine if a new track 960 metre or 100 metre track could be constructed within the existing landholding at Gloucester Park. Options were considered and plans were prepared for consideration in the deliberations on the future of the Gloucester Park Track.
Terang Harness Racing Track- Victoria
The design needed to take account of existing constraints such as buildings and an adjoining rail reserve, together with a 3 metre fall across the site. The new 1000 metre track was constructed with 10% cambers on the bends and 5% on the straights and is now one of the best tracks in the State and within Australia. A training track was also constructed in the centre of the new track using material reclaimed from the old track. A series of artificial wetlands were also constructed to capture and treat water from the track and from rural drainage adjacent the site.
Shepparton Harness racing Track – Victoria
The new 1000 metre track was constructed with 10% cambers on the bends and 5% on the straights. Yarra Glen Harness Racing Track – Victoria
The new 1000 metre track was constructed with 10% cambers on the bends and 5% on the straights. The track was constructed within an existing Gallops track and was part of a dual code operation of the facility where Harness racing and Gallops both have combined to form a single club using the facility. Charlton Harness Racing Facility
The track was designed to complement the existing multiple use facilities at the site including, netball courts, golf course, football ground, pony club and cricket nets.
Bendigo Harness Track TME were engaged by Harness Racing Victoria to undertake design and construction supervision of an upgrade of the existing track to a World Class 1000 metre track. The track was constructed over the summer of 2006/07 and opened to wide acclaim. On opening night, two world records were set on the track. The track features Australia high 14% cambers on the bends and 100m radius bends. The track design also features innovative water saving features that ensures a drought proof water supply for maintenance of the track.
Melton Harness Track TME were engaged by Harness Racing Victoria to design a World Class Harness Track for the new Melton Entertainment and Racing Complex. The track builds on the success of the Bendigo Track and the first stage earthworks were complete in early 2007. The balance of the trackworks will be completed in early 2009 after completion of the gaming complex construction. The track design features a 1040m track with radius 110m bends and 14% cambers.
Harness Racing New South Wales TME were engaged by Harness Racing New South Wales to assess and report on development options and costs for a number of key tracks in New South Wales. Tracks investigated include:
These reports are to be used by HRNSW to assess options for the future of the harness racing industry in NSW and options for each of the tracks.
Harness Racing Victoria Among the many track designs and upgrades undertaked for HRV, a number of tracks have been investigated and development options and costs determined. Tracks and sites that have been investigated and inspected include:
Pinjarra Harness Track TME were engaged by RWWA to investigate and report on options for the potential redevelopment of the Pinjarra Harness Track. Options were considered ranging from recambering of the existing track up to construction of 1000 metre or 1400 metre tracks.
Globe Derby Harness Track TME were engaged by South Australian Harness Racing Club to investigate and report on options for the potential redevelopment of the Globe Derby Harness Racing Track in Adelaide. The investigations subsequently developed an option for a 1400 metre track with development of 15 hectares of commercial land around the outside of the track. SAHRC have now engaged TME to undertake more detail designs and costing with an aim to commence construction in early 2008. |
This $1.3 million project, funded entirely by the Racecourse Development Trust, gave Bunbury a state-of-the-art 960 metre circuit with a 205 metre home straight and 10 percent cambers on the 87.5 metre radius bends.
The project also rationalised existing facilities and resulted in a consolidation of the facility to enhance public viewing opportunities and construction of a new 125 bay stable complex and new washdown/urinal facility.
TME were engaged by Harness Racing Victoria to undertake the design and construction supervision of an upgrade to the existing 800 metre trotting track to a new state of the art 1000 metre harness racing track.
TME have been engaged by Harness Racing Victoria to undertake the design and construction supervision of an upgrade to the existing 800 metre trotting track to a new state of the art 1000 metre harness racing track.
TME were engaged by Harness Racing Victoria to undertake the design and construction supervision of an upgrade to the existing 800 metre trotting track to a new state of the art 1000 metre harness racing track.
TME were engaged by Harness Racing Victoria to undertake the design an upgrade to the existing trotting track to a new lengthened racing track.