Country racing clubs set for $2.8 million windfall

Upgrades worth $2.8 million will create more than 100 local jobs at Queensland’s smallest and most remote country race clubs.

Racing Minister Grace Grace today announced the latest 37 country clubs from Mareeba in the Far North to Betoota in the south-west to share in $2.8 million in infrastructure funding.

“Country racing plays a critical role in regional Queensland, contributing to economic and social wellbeing, as well as providing an important meeting hub for regional communities,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Country Racing Program provides critical infrastructure funding across the state to improve and enhance our non-TAB racing clubs and their communities.

“These are some of the state’s smallest and most remote clubs, and importantly, these projects will create work for local tradies and businesses.”

The Palaszczuk Government has committed a total of $105.6 million to country racing over six years.

This includes funds for non-TAB clubs for infrastructure repairs and maintenance projects.

“Our Country Racing Program provides security and continuity to the country racing community up to 2023 by funding race meetings, prize money and racing infrastructure, repairs and maintenance,” Ms Grace said.

Projects range from more than $60,000 for Mareeba Turf Club for upgrades and a new mower to  more than $80,000 to improve the jockeys’ room at Betoota in the state’s far south-west corner.

Other projects include in the latest round include:

• New or improved tie-up stalls at the Bluff Blackwater Amateur Race Club, Emerald Jockey Club, Longreach Jockey Club, Chinchilla Race Club, Mareeba Turf Club and Ewan Amateur Turf Club;

• Significant track works at the Alpha Jockey Club, Central Warrego Race Club, Oakey & District Race Club and Bundaberg Race Club;

• Running rail improvements at the Longreach Jockey Club, Oak Park Race Club, Oakley Amateur Picnic Race Club and Cloncurry & District Race Club; and

• New or improved jockey rooms at the Jundah Race Club, Noorama Picnic Race Club, Herbert River Jockey Club and Monto Race Club.

A full list of grants is available at https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/crp

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314