November 6, 2012
On Melbourne Cup Day last year Campbell Newman promised Kumbia volunteer Margaret Golinski that he’d return to the next Kumbia Races as Premier … and help her cook the snags.
He kept his promise today, bringing along with him a swag of his Ministers and a surprise announcement for the Kumbia Race Club.
Premier Newman and Racing Minister Steve Dickson revealed that Kumbia will host a second race meeting next year, on June 1.
In previous years, the club used to host up to four meetings a year but this was whittled back to just one during controversial cutbacks to country racing by the Labor Government several years ago.
Mr Newman said the extra meeting was part of his government’s commitment to rejuvenating country racing.
Kumbia Race Club President Brian Lenihan said the club was delighted to be hosting a second meeting.
“We’re thrilled; it’s just a great reward for all the hard work volunteers put into maintaining this club and racecourse,” Mr Lenihan said.
“Even more so, it’s great for the local trainers and jockeys who are able to chase the prize money here locally without having to travel great distances.”
The extra race day had originally been programmed for Gatton but was reallocated to Kumbia after Gatton was given a meeting on June 10 instead.
“We’re delivering an additional $4 million over four years to help rebuild country racing across Queensland,” Mr Newman said.
“Through our three country racing programs – the Showcase Country Series, Celebrate Country Series and Sustain Country Series – we’re providing a much-needed boost to the industry, allowing clubs to attract stronger race fields and entice more patrons to the track.
The extra Kumbia meeting is part of the Sustain Country Series meetings which had been strategically placed to support country communities.
Margaret Golinski said that she was “impressed” by the Premier’s reappearance behind the grill today.
“He did what he said he’d do,” she said. “There are others who wouldn’t.”
