The Racing and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2010, which has today passed through Parliament, will enable more than $80 million in total of wagering tax to be returned to the racing industry for capital infrastructure projects over the next four years.
Mr Lawlor said as part of this $300,000 a year for three years would be made available specifically for country race clubs that have limited financial resources.
“This is not a bottomless pit of money but it is a helping hand for clubs that have limited options,” Mr Lawlor said.
“I think it is time that local governments also put their hands up to provide material support to their local racing industry, rather than just participating in letter-writing campaigns when race dates allocations are changed.”
The $80 million funding package will be the largest government-funded assistance ever made available to the racing industry in Queensland.
Mr Lawlor said the government supported Queensland Racing Limited and the Queensland Country Racing Committee in ensuring the safety of everyone at country race meetings.
“Workplace health and safety is a requirement for all businesses, not just race clubs and Queensland Racing has a legal responsibility to ensure that the facilities at all clubs meet minimum safety standards,” he said.
“The government has always been supportive of country racing and understands the important role that racing plays in the life of rural and regional Queensland.
“I am aware that some country race clubs have financial concerns on upgrading their facilities so the new racing control body will create a funding stream specifically targeted at these clubs.
“On behalf of these clubs, I’ve had discussions with QRL and I’ve been given assurances that these country race clubs will be given a helping hand.”
