- Crisafulli Government announces recipients $3m in funding for country racing.
- 43 regional racing clubs set to benefit from the funding.
- Projects across the State include repairs, maintenance and upgrades.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for country racing clubs across the State, with funding for more than $3.5 million for infrastructure upgrades.
As part of the third round of the Country Club Asset Funding program (CCAF), 43 clubs from across regional Queensland will share in $3 million.
A total of 51 new projects have been approved for delivery as part of the funding stream, with close to $600,000 in co-contributions.
Designed to support country racing club infrastructure repairs, along with maintenance and asset replenishment, projects include:
- Judges' facility upgrades at Ewan Amateur Turf Club and Mount Isa Race Club
- New barrier stalls at Bedourie Amateur Race Club and Gympie Turf Club
- New jockeys and stewards' facilities for Central Warrego Race Club and Cloncurry & District Race Club
- New tie-up stalls at Cunnamulla & District Diggers' Race Club, Eidsvold Race Club and Prairie Jockey Club
- Stewards' towers at Bundaberg Race Club and Emerald Jockey Club, and
- Running rail installations at 15 clubs, including Aramac Racing Club, Betoota Race Club, Monto Race Club, Quilpie Diggers' Race Club, and Stamford Race Club.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the funding would continue to deliver jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of country racing clubs with a pipeline of vital infrastructure projects right across the State," Minister Mander said.
"We continue to be steadfast in our support for the racing industry, which hosts close to 32 meetings a week and supports almost 50,000 participants from Birdsville to Cooktown and everywhere in between.
"Country racing is the lifeblood of so many towns across the State, which is why investment in these projects, creating jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits, is so important."
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said the CCAF ensures that almost 14,500 full-time racing jobs across the State remain sustainable going forward.
"Racing Queensland's most recent Size & Scope Report highlights the sheer size and strength of our industry, generating close to $2.5 billion in value added contribution to the Queensland economy in FY24," Mr Murray said.
"Importantly, 51 per cent of that directly benefits regional economies, which further underlines the importance of programs like the Country Club Asset Funding.
"We thank the Crisafulli Government for their support in delivering another $3 million in country racing infrastructure."
