December 4, 2015
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says the Labor Government has attacked country racing in the South Burnett by announcing “unfair and unnecessary” funding cuts to race meetings and reduced prize money.
Mrs Frecklington said the cuts would directly affect two South Burnett race clubs in her electorate – the Nanango Race Club and Kumbia Race Club – who will both potentially lose race days and prize money.
Also potentially affected will be racing at the nearby South Burnett Race Club at Wondai, in the Callide electorate.
“Labor have announced they will cut funding for the Showcase, Celebrate and Sustain Country Race series. Plus, clubs that race between four to seven times a year will be reduced to three meetings each,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The exact details about which clubs will lose days is not yet known. All we know is that 60 country race meetings will lose their funding.
“For example, the Nanango Race Club, which holds six major meetings each year, could lose three of their race meetings per year.
“At Kumbia, it appears they may go back to just a single race day per year, as they will lose their Sustain Race Day.
“I also hope that Wondai’s three main race days remain untouched but the exact details of which clubs will be affected is unknown at this stage.
“The LNP has pushed for funding for country racing to continue across regional Queensland, but Labor’s announcement is a huge blow to the industry.
“The South Burnett region looks forward to their local race meetings, but the future of these events is now in doubt thanks to the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“We’ve got the Nanango Christmas Race Day this weekend – these are always fantastic days and a highlight of the year.
“Labor is holding Queensland racing back and only the LNP is working to unleash this industry’s potential.”
- Related article: Cutbacks Target Country Racing
