- Crisafulli Government announces 33 country racing clubs will share in $3 million for vital infrastructure upgrades.
- Funding will deliver 41 projects across regional Queensland.
- Clubs will contribute close to $350,000 towards the upgrades.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the State's racing industry, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has announced the recipients of Racing Queensland's Country Club Asset Funding program, supporting priority works to help country racing clubs maintain and improve their facilities.
Across regional Queensland 33 clubs will share in the fourth round of the program with a total of 41 new projects approved for the funding alongside close to $350,000 in co-contributions from the clubs.
The funding will support infrastructure pairs, maintenance and asset replacement, including:
- Judges' facility upgrades at Bundaberg Race Club and Wandoan Diggers' Race Club;
- New starting gates at Atherton Turf Club and Goondiwindi Race Club;
- Upgraded jockeys and/or stewards' facilities for Barcoo Amateur Race Club, Burdekin Race Club, Clifton Jockey Club, Morven Race Club, Muttaburra Amateur Turf Club and Texas Jockey Club;
- New tie-up stalls at Herbert River Jockey Club and Maxwelton Race Club;
- New stabling facilities at Mareeba Turf Club; and
- Running rail installations at 13 clubs, including Bowen Turf Club, Gregory Downs Jockey Club, Kumbia Race Club, Monto Race Club, Stanthorpe Jockey Club and Yeppoon Turf Club.
Queensland racing was left without a clear roadmap for the future under the former Labor Government while the Crisafulli Government is delivering for the industry through The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Queensland Government was committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of country racing.
"The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the State's country racing clubs with a pipeline of vital infrastructure projects," Minister Mander said.
"Country racing is at the heart of so many regional Queensland communities, and this funding will continue to deliver jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits across the State.
"It's why we're also supporting the industry through The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing."
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said the program would provide important support for regional racing.
"Recent independent data in Racing Queensland's Size and Scope Report showcases the strength of our industry, generating more than $2.5 billion in value added contribution to the Queensland economy in FY25," Mr Murray said.
"Importantly, 52 per cent of that directly benefits regional economies, which further underlines the importance of programs like the Country Club Asset Funding.
"The CCAF ensures that almost 14,000 full-time racing jobs across the State remain sustainable going forward, and we are proud to support our regions in delivering another $3 million in country racing infrastructure."
