June 12, 2017
Tuesday’s State Budget will include a $6 million Country and Regional Capital Works Program for thoroughbred, trotting and greyhound clubs in regional Queensland.
Local race clubs will gain a little over $118,000 in total from the package:
- Bell – $38,826 for tie-up stalls
- Burrandowan – $25,400 for horse welfare equipment, running rail and towers
- Kumbia – $26,000 for running rail, towers
- Nanango – $400 for horse welfare equipment
- South Burnett (Wondai) – $27,400 for horse welfare equipment, fencing, running rail, towers and placegetter stalls
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the package included $4.4 million for infrastructure; race clubs had been invited to bid for funds.
Racing Queensland had also identified a further $1.6 million of projects through an extensive review process, with a total of 113 clubs benefiting.
“I am pleased to be able to approve this funding program which will begin to address infrastructure requirements immediately with Phase 1 to be completed within 18 months,” Ms Grace said.
“Our clubs in country and regional areas are a key part of their local economies while also providing a strong social connection.
“They need to be supported and I know these projects will make a difference.”
Ms Grace said each submission was assessed for its ability to improve racing operations, enhance industry returns and deliver better workplace health and safety and animal welfare outcomes.
Some of the projects included infrastructure replacement, track surface upgrades, animal welfare equipment and amenities upgrades.
Racing Queensland received 159 project requests of less than $1 million. Of those, 90 were provisionally approved as priority projects.
As well, 40 projects were found to have merit but they did not meet the animal welfare or workplace safety requirement or required further work before being assessed.
| Thoroughbred Region | No Of Venues | Amount |
| Far North Queensland | 10 | $512,000 |
| Leichhardt | 13 | $395,000 |
| North West Queensland | 14 | $527,000 |
| Capricornia | 10 | $657,000 |
| Central West | 13 | $313,000 |
| Downs | 12 | $622,000 |
| Eastern Downs | 17 | $551,000 |
| Southeast Queensland | 15 | $697,000 |
Harness racing will receive $96,000 spread over three venues, and greyhound racing $1.16 million across six venues.
