July 3, 2017
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has demanded to know why Nanango Race Club received just $400 from the State Government’s recent $6 million allocation to country racing clubs.
Mrs Frecklington said other south-east Queensland Race Clubs had received an average of $46,000, substantially more than Nanango.
“The Nanango Race Club is right to question how their tiny grant of just $400 was determined,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They have contacted me to express their disappointment and to try to find out how the Labor Government made this decision.
“Their $400 really is a joke. The club needs upwards of $90,000 to improve safety, including raising the running rail and installing barrier padding.
“This was identified in a Thoroughbred Venue Report completed in June 2016 and with these essential improvements waiting to be undertaken, the Labor Government must explain why just $400 was announced for Nanango.
“I have written to the Minister for Racing, Grace Grace, to try to find out why the Nanango Race Club has missed out.”
Other nearby racing clubs also received substantially more than Nanango:
- 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
- South Burnett (Wondai) – $27,400 for horse welfare equipment, fencing, running rail, towers and placegetter stalls
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The text of Mrs Frecklington’s letter to Racing Minister Grace Grace:
Re: Funding for Nanango Race Club
Following the funding announcement of Monday, June 12, for Race Clubs around Queensland, I was disappointed to read that the Nanango Race Club was granted just $400.
The Nanango Race Club learnt about this announcement via the media and contacted me directly to express their dismay at the low amount, especially compared to other race clubs across south-east Queensland which averaged grants of more than $46,000.
The Nanango Race Club is a very busy and professional club co-ordinating six race meets each year which attract thousands of spectators.
This in turn provides a significant economic and social injection for the township of Nanango and surrounding South Burnett region.
The club participated in the “Thoroughbred Venue Assessment” process in June 2016, in which they identified nearly $93,000 in essential improvements. This included the raising of the running rail and the installation of barrier padding. With these essential safety improvements waiting to be undertaken, the club is unsure how their grant was determined.
On behalf of the Nanango Race Club, I request clarification about how the amount of $400 for the Nanango Race Club was decided and whether there is an option to request further funding.
I ask that you give this matter timely and due regard.
Deb Frecklington
Member for Nanango
