Australian Turf Club (ATC) has launched court proceedings against property giant Mirvac over a deal the pair had agreed to in 2017 to develop land owned by ATC.
In 2017, the pair signed a deal to develop part of the Canterbury Park Racecourse, which is owned by ATC, into residential housing.
According to court documents seen by Club Management, Mirvac is now looking to withdraw from the deal due to a long-standing condition imposed by the Canterbury-Bankstown City Council, requiring the land to remain as a car park for night racing. However, the club argues Mirvac’s grounds to terminate the deal are invalid.
As part of the proceeding, Mirvac has filed a cross-claim against the club, demanding the $8 million in access fee it paid to ATC to be repaid.
Club Management reached out to the ATC for further comments, but the club declined to respond.
The legal battle comes amid broader tensions around the club’s property strategy. In May, ATC members voted against the sale of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse for housing development.
Shortly after, ATC chairman Peter McGauran handed in his resignation. His term had been due to run until January 2026.
“I have made this decision aware of the challenges for the ATC ahead and believe that a new Chairman and renewed focus will guide new initiatives for the club’s future and its members,” McGauran said in a statement following his resignation.
“I remain convinced the potential sale of Rosehill Gardens was a lost opportunity for the club and the wider racing industry.
“It was a fully transparent and vigorous debate, and I am grateful to the 44 per cent of ATC Members who voted in favour of the proposal. I believe history will judge the decision to pursue the vision as having been the right one.”