Rural racing clubs across Queensland will have running rails installed in the latest round of a $3 million state funding program.
The state government says 33 rural clubs will share in funding for 41 projects under the fourth round of Racing Queensland’s Country Club Asset Funding program.
Almost $350,000 is being co-contributed by the clubs as well.
WHAT’S BEING FUNDED
It covers repairs, maintenance and replacement works including:
- Judges’ facility upgrades at Bundaberg and Wandoan Digger race clubs.
- New starting gates at the Atherton Turf and Goondiwindi clubs.
- Upgraded jockeys and/or stewards’ facilities at the Barcoo Amateur, Burdekin, Clifton Jockey, Morven, Muttaburra Amateur Turf and Texas Jockey clubs.
- New tie-up stalls at Herbert River Jockey (Ingham) and Maxwelton Race clubs.
- New stabling facilities at Mareeba Turf Club.
- Running rail installations at 13 clubs including Bowen Turf, Gregory Downs Jockey, Kumbia, Monto, Stanthorpe and Yeppoon Turf clubs.
PROTECTING RURAL RACING
Qld Racing Minister Tim Mander says his government wants to protect the long-term future of country racing.
“The government is proud to support country racing clubs with a pipeline of vital infrastructure projects,” he says.
“Country racing is at the heart of so many regional communities; this funding will continue to deliver jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits across the state.”
Racing Queensland’s acting chief executive officer Lachlan Murray says the program provides 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 Financial Year 2025,” Murray says.
“Importantly, 52% 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.”
So far 147 projects have received $9100 in funding from the first three rounds this year.
More information on Country Club Asset Funding is available here.
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