- The Crisafulli Government delivers response to independent Racing Review across all three codes of racing.
- A new Racing Future Fund will see $200 million available to help deliver modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure.
- Albion Park to be developed into a new "Racing HQ", new Grandstand at Eagle Farm, upgraded regional infrastructure for all three codes.
- Improvements to be made to animal welfare protocols, funding models, operating models and infrastructure.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the racing industry after 10 years of neglect under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has today released The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing - the Government's response to the most comprehensive review of the sector in more than 25 years.
Delivering on a key election promise - sweeping reforms announced in the response will provide operational stability, new infrastructure, stronger integrity, and enhanced animal welfare outcomes.
The Crisafulli Government will deliver a new Racing Future Fund and invest $200 million towards modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across Queensland.
Infrastructure improvements will be delivered across all three codes, including a new grandstand at Eagle Farm, a new 'Racing HQ' at Albion Park, new harness infrastructure at Marburg and Toowoomba, new lights for the Toowoomba Turf Club and a new track for Bundaberg Greyhounds.
The ageing John Power Stand at Eagle Farm will be replaced with modern spectator facilities, featuring upgraded amenities, more accessibility and a premium experience for racegoers. The project will be delivered as a partnership between RQ and the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) to ensure the additional investment is repaid.
The new 'Racing HQ' will enhance the prominence of Albion Park as the home of Harness racing in Queensland, and will also become the future home to RQ, QRIC and a new Racing Science Centre.
Racing governance will be stabilised with a new hybrid model that will see all non-core functions of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) transition to Racing Queensland (RQ).
The modernised structure will give QRIC a clearer focus on delivering stewarding and integrity services, with an Independent Commissioner of Stewards reporting directly to the Minister for Racing.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the harness racing industry after 10 years of infrastructure decline under Labor.
In addition to securing a metropolitan home for the sport, a new training facility at Marburg will unlock opportunities for new participants to enter the industry, while reinstating harness at the original Toowoomba track aims to boost regional participation.
An independent Racing Infrastructure Board will be established to ensure infrastructure decisions are driven by evidence-based proposals and prioritised by industry needs throughout Queensland.
RQ will seek to rationalise its property portfolio and take steps to dispose of underutilised assets, including the former proposed harness racing site at Norwell and QRIC's Bowen Hills site.
In addition, animal welfare outcomes will be strengthened across the board, with new programs to support post-racing careers for horses and greyhounds, including a new-look Greyhound Retirement Program that will provide monthly vouchers for the care of retired dogs.
Country Racing will be safeguarded for the future with several measures to enhance participation, remove burden from smaller clubs and boost feature racing events, including the expansion of the highly popular Battle of the Bush Series.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said delivering the Crisafulli Government's plan would ensure generational change to racing in Queensland.
"The Crisafulli Government delivered on its election promise to conduct the most thorough examination of racing in our history, and now we have delivered our plan for the future of Queensland racing," Minister Mander said.
"This plan delivers a more efficient and effective approach to governance and integrity, builds fit for purpose infrastructure, safeguards animal welfare and ensures the ongoing success of country racing.
"The former Labor government had no plan for country racing, no plan to fix the Eagle Farm grandstand, no plan for harness racing, no plan for regional greyhound racing, no plan to enhance integrity and animal welfare, and no plan to future proof this $2.5 billion industry that employs close to 14,500 Queenslanders.
"I would like to thank the Independent Committee Chair Matthew McGrath and Committee Members Kym Daly, Lynette Keep and Scott Neaves for their hard work and expertise in delivering the Queensland Racing Review 2025."
The Racing Review, Committee led by former Australian Turf Club Chairman Matt McGrath, captured the views of industry right across the state, visiting 73 race clubs and conducting extensive face-to-face engagement with those in the industry.
The Committee also carefully reviewed 1,223 public submissions received during the Queensland Racing Review consultation period in March and April 2025.
