The new plan is designed to please punters, the industry and animal welfare advocates alike. Photo: Queensland Office of Racing.
The Crisafulli Queensland Government has released its response to the independent Racing Review, the most comprehensive assessment of the sector in more than 25 years.
Named The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, the blueprint sets out sweeping reforms that the government said would provide new infrastructure, operational stability, enhanced outcomes for animals and strengthened integrity.
Under the plan, the government will deliver the Racing Future Fund and invest $200 million towards modern, fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across the state.
Improvements, to be delivered across all three codes, will include a new grandstand at Eagle Farm, a new “Racing HQ” at Albion Park, new harness infrastructure at Toowoomba and Marburg, as well as new lights at the Toowoomba Turf Club and a new track for Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club.
Eagle Farm’s outdated John Power Stand will be replaced with modern spectator facilities featuring upgraded amenities, greater accessibility and a better experience for punters. The project will be delivered as a partnership between the Brisbane Racing Club and Racing Queensland.
The government aims to make Albion Park the home of harness racing in the state with its new “Racing HQ”.
Racing governance will also change with a new hybrid model that sees all non-core functions of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) transferred to Racing Queensland.
This new structure will give QRIC a clearer focus on delivering services for integrity, with an Independent Commissioner of Stewards who reports directly to the Minister for Racing.
A new training facility at Marburg will also create fresh opportunities for new participants to enter the industry, while reinstating harness racing at the original Toowoomba track aims at increasing regional participation.
A new independent Racing Infrastructure Board will be created to ensure decisions regarding infrastructure are driven by evidence-based proposals and prioritised by industry needs statewide.
In addition, RQ will rationalise its property portfolio and take steps to sell off underutilised assets, including former proposed harness racing sites at Norwell and QRIC’s Bowen Hills site.
The government said animal welfare outcomes also would be strengthened, with new programs to support post-racing careers for both greyhounds and horses. This includes a new-look Greyhound Retirement Program, which will provide monthly vouchers for the care of former racing dogs.
Country Racing will be protected with measures to enhance participation, remove the burdens on smaller clubs and boost feature racing events, including the expansion of the popular Battle of the Bush Series.
“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 for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim 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.”
