March 31, 2022
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has asked Racing Minister Grace Grace why horse trainers based in the South Burnett have been left off a list to receive support following the recent floods.
Mrs Frecklington said despite licenced horse trainers being acknowledged as needing assistance with costs such as transport, food, forage and bedding for their animals as a result of the floods, South Burnett trainers had been forgotten.
A media release distributed by Minister Grace in early March listed 13 local government areas where trainers were invited to apply for funding.
The list included Gympie, Somerset and Cherbourg councils but did not mention the South Burnett.
“I am at a loss as to why horse trainers in our region have not been included in this support package,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The South Burnett is defined as a disaster declared area, and trainers in all other disaster declared local government areas have been included.
“The horse racing industry is a major economic contributor to our region and country racing is an important part of our social fabric.
“South Burnett horse trainers also need access to this support and that’s why I have asked the Minister for Racing, Grace Grace, why they have been excluded,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Nanango Race Club president Andrew Green backed the call.
“There are at least 25 trainers located in the South Burnett region, so it is disappointing that our region hasn’t been included in this funding,” Mr Green said.
“Horse trainers were impacted for at least 10 days as it was impossible to train on the wet tracks, plus they also had to deal with cancelled race meetings and key roads being cut in so many places,” he said.
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Question On Notice (March 31)
In relation to the Training Assistance Fund to support racing participants in flood-impacted areas of South East Queensland, will the Minister explain:
(a) Why Cherbourg Council is listed in the media statement of 5 March 2022, yet is not listed on the Racing Queensland website; and
(b) Why the South Burnett region has not been included, given it is a defined disaster area (for the South East Qld Rainfall and Flooding event 22 Feb-7 March)?
