Racing welcomes new directors

Published Wednesday, 30 June, 2021 at 11:14 AM

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

A harness racing industry veteran and an infrastructure expert are new members of the state’s peak racing industry body, the Racing Queensland Board.

Racing Minister Grace Grace announced the appointment of Jodie Jones and Christopher Edwards today, replacing outgoing members, former Queensland Harness Racing Board member Margaret Reynolds and former Channel 7 executive and Sheffield Shield cricketer Max Walters OAM.

“Ms Jones brings more than 30 years’ harness racing experience to the Board as an owner and breeder of standardbreds and a Board member of Harness Racing Australia,” Ms Grace said.

“Mr Edwards is general manager of capital projects and infrastructure advisory with RPS Group in Brisbane, and his experience with large capital programs will be particularly relevant with major racing infrastructure works underway and planned.”

Ms Grace thanked the outgoing members for their contribution over the past five years.

The new directors join Chairman Steve Wilson, Deputy Chair Sharon Dawson, and board members Dale Cartwright, Graham Quirk and Jane Seawright.

Mr Wilson said he was looking forward to Ms Jones bringing her breadth of the knowledge to the RQ Board.

“With strong industry roots, including life membership of the Queensland Junior Harness Racing Association, and significant experience in the education sector, Ms Jones will be a welcome addition,” he said.

“Christopher’s strong and diverse skill set as an executive and as a board member should serve him well at Racing Queensland.

"As a senior leader at Building Queensland, PwC and Hatch Associates, he boasts sound experience overseeing large capital programs, infrastructure planning, property development, and the delivery of business cases.

"With significant infrastructure works, including the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club and Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre, we look forward to leaning on his experience.”

Mr Wilson said outgoing board members Margaret Reynolds and Max Walters OAM were meaningful contributors to the RQ Board.

“In particular, Max was a significant contributor to our most recent media rights negotiation and played a key role in securing a significant financial uplift for our clubs,” he said.

“Margaret was a strong and passionate representative for the harness code, who continually prosecuted the case for increased funding and returns to participants.”