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 country 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 $8.91 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 2022.
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 $38 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 $5 million towards the project.
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 2025.
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
- $1.5 million for 100 new tie-up stalls at Cluden Park (Townsville Turf Club).