Brisbane gallops into racing carnival season

Brisbane has cantered into the racing season spotlight with the launch of the 2014 Brisbane Racing Carnival.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Jann Stuckey said the Carnival had developed into a significant event on Queensland’s tourism calendar attracting visitors from interstate and overseas.

“Brisbane’s superb winter weather, enviable lifestyle and tourism attractions make the Brisbane Racing Carnival a great occasion for locals and potential visitors alike,” Ms Stuckey said.

“They are important events as we deliver on our election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy, after it was left floundering by Labor.”

The Brisbane Racing Carnival 2014 includes popular race days such as the Queensland Oaks Day and perennial favourite and Carnival finale, Stradbroke Day.

“Last year, these race days delivered more than 29,000 visitor nights and contributed more than $6 million to the Queensland economy, providing support to our tourism industry and showcasing Brisbane as a world-class events destination through broadcast on national television,” she said.

Minister for Racing Steve Dickson said the Brisbane Racing Carnival would be the highlight of the three-month Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.

“This is the very best of Queensland trainers, jockeys and horses battling with the best from other states and New Zealand over five big days of group one racing,” Mr Dickson said

“It’s sure to be an exciting occasion for punters and racing fans, as well as those looking for a fun day out.

“The flow-on economic benefit of the racing industry is huge, contributing $855 million to the state's economy and providing 30,000 Queenslanders with jobs.

“The Government is committed to ensuring it continues to have good, strong foundations.”

Ms Stuckey said the Newman Government’s 20-year tourism plan, Destination Success, recognises the importance of events in driving repeat visitation to destinations such as Brisbane.

“The Queensland Government is proud to support the Brisbane Racing Carnival through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of major events for the city,” she said. “Support for events such as the Brisbane Racing Carnival forms part of our plan to reach the industry goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

[ENDS] 3 April 2014

Minister Stuckey’s Office – Natalie Wynne 3719 7247    

Minister Dickson’s Office – Michelle Buckworth 3719 7119