Crisafulli Government set to deliver a new grandstand for Eagle Farm

• The Crisafulli Government is delivering new spectator facilities at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane.
• An initial $25 million has been allocated for the first phase of the redevelopment.
• The new stand is a key component of the Crisafulli Government’s The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after Labor failed to deliver fit for purpose racing infrastructure during their decade of decline.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, with a $25 million investment to begin work on new and modern spectator facilities at Queensland’s premier racecourse, Eagle Farm.

The new facility will replace the ageing John Power Stand, which is scheduled to be decommissioned in August 2026, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the industry.

It will be replaced with a modern facility, featuring upgraded amenities, more accessibility and a premium experience for racegoers. 

Delivering a new grandstand is a key component of the The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, a suite of reforms which include a $200 million Racing Future Fund for modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across Queensland. 

The reforms are designed to provide operational stability, new infrastructure, stronger integrity, enhanced animal welfare outcomes and safeguard country racing. 

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said providing modern and fit for purpose infrastructure for the Queensland racing industry was a priority for the Crisafulli Government.

“Eagle Farm is Queensland Thoroughbred Racing’s spiritual home, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering a facility befitting of the state’s premier track,” Minister Mander said. 

“Labor had no plan to fix the Eagle Farm grandstand, no plan to safeguard country racing, no plan to enhance animal welfare and integrity, and no plan to provide long-term stability for this $2.5 billion industry that employs thousands of Queenslanders. 

“The grandstand is nearing end of life, and by delivering this initial $25 million, the demolition of the John Power Stand can begin at the conclusion of the Winter Carnival. 

“Across the state, we are delivering new and improved racing infrastructure, and the Queensland Government’s new $200 million Racing Future Fund shows that we have a plan for the future of Queensland racing.” 

Racing Queensland CEO Lachlan Murray said planning could now begin in earnest to deliver the redevelopment after securing $25 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund (RIF).

“Having the funding secured allows us to lay out the timing to begin Phase One of the Terraces works,” Mr Murray said. 

“It gives us the certainty to have tenders in place to get the demolition work started in August, once the 2026 Winter Carnival wraps up. 

“Once completed, the new stand will provide an exceptional experience for the racing public.”

Brisbane Racing Club Chairman Richard Morrison welcomed the funding to get the redevelopment underway. 

“The logistics to deliver these kinds of works are enormous, particularly to ensure there is continuity of racing during the redevelopment,” Mr Morrison said. 

“Working with RQ, we will make sure there is as little disruption as possible for participants and punters from the end of the 2026 Winter Carnival through to the start of the 2027 Winter Carnival. 

“The new stand will maintain Eagle Farm’s standing as a world-class racetrack.” 

For more information visit: https://thenextlap.sport.qld.gov.au/ 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Lachlan Bird, 0438 639 836