Australian Turf Club (ATC) members have voted against the proposed $5 billion sale of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, halting plans to build 25,000 homes and a metro station in Sydney’s west.
The rejection ends a controversial redevelopment proposal backed by NSW Premier Chris Minns and racing chief Peter V’landys.
Despite 43.9% support, 56.1% of ATC members voted against the sale during a meeting in Randwick, forcing the club to abandon the plan and retain Rosehill as a racing venue.
Premier Minns expressed disappointment but praised V’landys for his bold approach to reform.
“I didn’t know Peter V’landys very well before I became Premier, but he’s a do-er. He’s someone who grabs initiatives and pursues them. I think Sydney could do with ten Peter V’landys rather than one,” Minns said.
While V’landys was not directly quoted on the outcome, he was central to the government’s vision, which included redeveloping Warwick Farm Racecourse to accommodate the racing industry post-sale.
Minns stood by the failed proposal, calling it a “one in a generation opportunity” and emphasised the need for continued bold thinking to tackle Sydney’s housing crisis.
“If the charge is that we were too bold, I have no problem with that,” he said.
With Rosehill now off the table, the NSW government will explore alternative housing solutions, as it faces mounting pressure to address supply shortages.
