CAIRNS Jockey Club faces a fight to build its clubhouse at Cannon Park, with rival clubs lining up to bring plans to a halt.

Almost 20 objections to its development application have been lodged with Cairns City Council.

It is believed some of the objecting parties fear a new club could severely erode their memberships and profits.

Jockey Club committee member David Row said he was hoping to have council approval for the Cannon Park development next month and to begin construction by the end of April.

Mr Row said the proposed clubhouse would include a bistro, bar, gaming lounge and a restaurant overlooking the racecourse.

"The objections from other clubs were essentially because they didn't want another club in Cairns," he said.

"They all have the same facilities."

Mr Row said Cairns Jockey Club was now one of the largest racing clubs in Queensland, boasting about 800 members compared with 200 two years ago. "We need these facilities to cater for them," he said.

"There's clearly room and primarily the club will service our growing membership base."

However, AFL Cairns acting general manager Gary Young said his organisation's objections to the development were based on both town planning and social issues.

"They're quite appropriate issues, other clubs may have done the same thing," Mr Young said.

"There are some things that we believe are out of line with the council's policies.

"We're just pointing out some things they need to be mindful of."

Cazalys general manager Joe Kelly would not confirm whether the club had lodged an objection to the Cannon Park proposal, but said the club had a responsibility to its 20,000 members.

"We are owned by our members and funded by our members," Mr Kelly said.

"If we do or don't object it's because we have a responsibility to those members."