Racing initiatives
Funding for the racing industry is delivered in partnership with Racing Queensland.
Inquiries regarding these programs can be directed to officeofracing@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.
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.
The Q (Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre) – $44.15 million (of $85 million total project value)
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 2025.
Redcliffe Harness Racing Club Sports Lighting Upgrade - $6 million
Approved on 7 March 2024.
This project will upgrade lighting infrastructure to facilitate safe early hours trackwork, provide a better quality product for broadcasting night racing and a more efficient lighting solution with LED lighting. It will also improve safety for the contractors and maintenance personnel.
Completion is expected in 2025.
Townsville Turf Club (Cluden Park) Stabling Facility - $7.8 million (of $10 million total project value)
Approved 16 May 2024.
This funding will deliver 92 new stables at Cluden Park, with feed and tack rooms, plus wash down bays, horse walkers and car parking.
Racing Queensland will contribute the balance of funding of $2.2 million.
Completion is expected in 2025.
Completed projects
Grants from the Racing Infrastructure Fund for projects already completed include:
- $33 million (of $70.5 million total project value) for the Gold Coast Turf Club Tracks and Lights
- $1.5 million for 100 new tie-up stalls at Cluden Park (Townsville Turf Club).
- $12 million for the Eagle Farm Infield development (of which $6.5 million was repaid into the Racing Infrastructure Fund)
- $24.8 million for the Ipswich Turf Club redevelopment
- $7.765 million for acquisition of land at Norwell, and preliminary feasibility and design work, for a proposed harness racing centre
- $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