Betting tax distribution
Under the
Betting Tax Act 2018 the Queensland Government supports the racing industry by returning 80 per cent of annual betting tax revenues to Racing Queensland.
This funding provides the industry with certainty that enables future planning without reliance on short term program-specific funding packages.
Provisions under the
Racing Act 2002 and the Racing Regulation 2023 ensure that country thoroughbred race meetings will also receive at least a prescribed minimum amount of funding each year from the betting tax distribution. This commitment recognises the social and economic benefits of country racing for regional communities, as well as country racing’s role in Queensland’s racing industry.
Racing infrastructure fund
The purpose of the racing infrastructure fund is to support priority infrastructure projects that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Queensland racing industry.
The following projects have been approved for funding.
Queensland Harness Centre: site acquisition and pre-feasibility work – $7.765 million
Approved on 17 November 2022.
Funding is for the purchase of land and associated pre-feasibility design work for the proposed Queensland Harness Centre at Norwell.
Completion (does not include construction of the racing venue) is expected in 2024.
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.
Gold Coast Turf Club Tracks and Lights – $33 million (of $63.4 million total project value)
Approved on 13 April 2021.
This project will receive a total of $33 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund, including $1.5 million towards planning and design work and $31.5 million under a grant for delivery of the project works.
The Gold Coast Turf Club will also contribute $4.5 million towards the project and Racing Queensland will contribute the balance of $25.8 million.
Works will include an upgrade to the course proper; lighting infrastructure; a new synthetic track suitable for training, trialling and racing; redevelopment of the turf B grass training track; improved trafficability to the infield; a new ambulance track and upgrades to electrical, communications, data, timing, broadcast and irrigation services.
Completion is expected in 2024.
Completed projects
Grants from the Racing Infrastructure Fund for projects already completed include:
- $12 million for the Eagle Farm Infield development
- $24.8 million for the Ipswich Turf Club redevelopment
- $6 million for the Country and Regional Capital Works Program
- $3.7 million for remediation of the Eagle Farm racetrack
- $3.5 million for critical capital works at the Brisbane Racing Club
- $2.5 million towards the new $8.9 million Sunshine Coast Turf Club synthetic track
- $1.5 million for 100 new tie-up stalls at Cluden Park (Townsville Turf Club).