A massive boost to the Queensland racing industry was announced today by LNP Racing Spokesman, Mike Horan.

“The LNP has moved to make Qld the most competitive and progressive racing state in Australia with a $22.5 million injection of new money into the three racing codes over four years.

“This will mean more races, more prize money and more jobs,” Mr Horan said.

“The racing industry is responsible for over thirty thousand full or part time jobs and we intend to secure the jobs of workers in the racing industry and provide new job opportunities throughout the state.”

Thoroughbred racing will receive a boost of $4.6 million per year to city, regional and country racing.

Harness racing will receive $500,000 per year for the refurbishment of Albion Park and the development of their code.

Greyhound racing will receive $500,000 per year for the refurbishment of Albion Park as well as the enhancement of greyhound racing at the five regional tracks in Qld.

An LNP Government will unlock the $10 million compensation fund paid for the forced acquisition of the Gold Coast track for a hospital site. This will enable greyhound racing to locate and develop an alternate track in South East Queensland.

Brisbane thoroughbred racing will benefit from an annual boost of $1 million provided to the newly formed Brisbane Race Club to assist in the planning and design of the Eagle Farm and Doomben redevelopment. The annual grant will continue to be made available for the Club to use for capital works programs or prize money.

Regional TAB Race clubs (Gold Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville) will receive $200,000 per year to boost prize money. Cairns – as a non-TAB race club – will receive $100,000 per year to assist in the redevelopment plans for its’ racetrack.

“Country racing is the nursery of Thoroughbred racing,” Mr Horan said.

“An LNP Government will fund up to 20 additional country race meetings including the reinstatement of three meetings at Esk, three at Kilcoy and one at Bell.

“We will also fund the reinstatement of the $3,000 administration fee which was recently taken away from the non-strategic country race clubs.

“In a major boost to the Queensland breeding industry – and the thousands of jobs it supports - QTIS will be expanded and enhanced with an additional annual amount of $500,000. This will be spread across city, regional and country racing as a further incentive for the purchase and racing of Qld bred horses. It will give further practical support to the Qld breeding industry.”

The LNP will deliver a positive plan to help recruit jockeys, track work riders and stable hands for the industry throughout the state. $250,000 per year will be provided for an ongoing recruitment drive throughout Qld which will target a new generation of horsemen and women from country and regional Queensland.


The annual racing grant of $5.6 million will be funded from the wagering taxes delivered by the Industry to State Government. “Racing contributes heavily to the State Government finances. It is only fair that something is given back to this great industry,” said Mr Horan.

These annual grants will be provided through the control bodies of each racing code.

“The LNP has a strong belief in the independence of each control body. Each body will be a statutory organisation with independent members who will have experience in racing, as well as business, law, finance and event management. They will also have a strong understanding of the product fees that underpin the financial security of racing.”

“With an LNP Government, there will finally be a Government that really understands and is willing to back this great industry,” Mr Horan said.

“This is the greatest boost that Queensland racing has received in decades.”

For media comment contact Mike Horan on 0418 982 271 or 46391199.



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