Country racing program
The Queensland Government’s commitment to support country racing through $105.6 million in funding, recognises the social and economic benefits of country racing for regional communities, as well as country racing’s role in the racing industry.
The country racing program enables Racing Queensland to sustain country thoroughbred racing in Queensland with support of $17.6 million per year to 2023.
The funding comprises:
- $15 million per year to support prize money (including the Queensland thoroughbred incentive scheme), clubs, jockey riding fees, superannuation and WorkCover expenses and club meeting payments to support country racing meets; and
- $2.6 million per year for non-TAB racing club infrastructure repairs and maintenance and asset replenishment/replacement as assessed on an as needs basis by Racing Queensland.
Racing infrastructure fund
The purpose of the racing infrastructure fund is to support priority infrastructure projects to support the growth and sustainability of the Queensland racing industry.
The following projects have been approved for funding.
Sunshine Coast Turf Club synthetic track - $2.5 million (of $7 million total project value)
Approved on 9 October 2019.
The project includes replacement of the club's current all-weather training/racing cushion track surface with a modern synthetic track for thoroughbred training and future TAB racing.
Completion is expected in 2021.
Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre - $39.15 million
Approved on 17 October 2019.
Funding is for the purchase of land and the development of a greyhound racing venue incorporating one-turn, two-turn and straight racing tracks; lighting; visual and acoustic barriers; racing and trial kennels; a function building with viewing facilities; car parking; racing integrity facilities; broadcasting tower; maintenance amenities; landscaping; community recreation zones and sport facilities.
Completion is expected in 2024.
Country and regional capital works program - $6 million
Approved on 25 May 2017.
Works include a range of minor capital works supporting race clubs across the state.
Completed in 2020.
Ipswich Turf Club (Bundamba Racecourse) - $24.8 million
Approved on 25 May 2017.
Works include remedial turf works, a new building for jockeys, stewards, food and beverage facilities and other facilities; minor infield development and improvements to the outfield, and a potential subdivision for a commercial precinct.
Completed in 2020.
Training track subsidy scheme
The training track subsidy scheme (the scheme) is an annual $2 million funding program which assists thoroughbred race clubs to off-set the costs of maintaining training facilities at their venues.
The scheme is administered under annual funding deeds between the department and Racing Queensland.