South Burnett Added To List

May 5, 2022

Trainers in the South Burnett and North Burnett council areas can now access the State Government’s Training Assistance Fund, thanks to intervention from local MP Deb Frecklington.

On March 5, Racing Minister Grace Grace announced $500,000 in flood relief for the Queensland racing industry.

Thoroughbred, harness racing and greyhound trainers who have been flood-affected were invited to apply for assistance in 13 council areas: Brisbane City, Ipswich City, Moreton Bay, Somerset, Gold Coast City, Logan City, Redland City, Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Lockyer Valley and Cherbourg.

However, trainers in the disaster-declared areas of the South and North Burnett – two big racing regions – missed out.

Mrs Frecklington asked the Minister for an explanation.

The Minister advised recently that Racing Queensland, which will administer the funding, has now updated its website to include an extra five areas, including the South and North Burnett.

The other Council areas added are the Fraser Coast, Southern Downs and Toowoomba.

“Racing Queensland has communicated the amended list of eligible areas to affected racing industry participants and trainers who are able to access financial assistance under the Training Assistance Fund,” Minister Grace said.

Mrs Frecklington said the funding would help licensed horse trainers needing assistance with costs such as transport, food, forage and bedding for their animals as a result of the floods.

“The horse racing industry is a major economic contributor to our region and country racing is an important part of our social fabric, so this support is welcome news,” she said.