The Palaszczuk Government has announced five projects across three race clubs in Far North Queensland will share in almost $90,000 in infrastructure funding as part of its Country Racing Program.
Funded under the four-year, $70.4 million Country Racing Support Package, non-TAB clubs can apply to Racing Queensland for projects relating to infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
"Five projects have been approved under this second round of funding, which means jobs and a boost to the economies in these communities," he said.
"Coming at this time, when the global economy is taking blow after blow as a result of the pandemic, this funding is yet another avenue for Queensland to unite and recover.
"We're expecting to announce a third round before the end of the year, which again means jobs and another decent shot in the arm of the economies of successful communities."
The five projects are:
- Atherton Turf Club: $35,000 - Track irrigation; and course mower;
- Einasleigh Race Club: $8000 - Fencing and signage for float parking and traffic management control;
- Innisfail Turf Club: $20,000 - Convert night boxes to tie-up stalls; and
- Laura Amateur Turf Club: $25,000 - Shipping containers for use in future jockeys' room upgrade.
Mr Hinchliffe said country racing was often the heartbeat of smaller communities across Queensland.
"The majority of our non-TAB clubs have seen their meetings either cancelled or postponed during COVID-19, and as such, their capacity to fund much-needed infrastructure improvements has been further diluted.
"This package has delivered great results for Queensland's racing industry and the latest round of CRP funding will be warmly welcomed."
