Mr Lawlor said that the amalgamation of Queensland Racing, Harness Racing Queensland and Greyhounds Queensland has opened the way for more than $80 million in funding for capital investment offered to the industry by government.
“We have established the Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme and this will provide the largest-ever injection of funds to renew the industry’s rundown facilities,” Mr Lawlor said.
“This massive investment is all about the future of racing across Queensland. We want to ensure racing remains popular and has a sustainable future – it’s part of our state’s heritage and we’re making sure it’s part of our future too.”
The Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme will be funded by a racing industry levy of 50 percent of the net tax collected from wagering taxation over the four years to 2013-14.
“The amalgamation of the three existing control bodies will ensure that this money is spent in the most efficient and effective manner in the long-term interests of the racing industry.
“Racing Queensland will now provide its capital works priorities to government to scrutinise before it can access any funding.”
Mr Lawlor also reassured country race clubs they are an important and vital part of their communities.
“In the lead up to this debate in Parliament there has been a fear campaign carried out by some individuals who wanted to hold the industry back,” he said.
“Any sale of a club must go through a three step process – it has to have agreement by the club itself, the racing control body, and the Minister.
“That was the case yesterday, that’s the case today, and that will be the case tomorrow – nothing changes.
“The legislation transfers the employees, assets, liabilities and responsibilities of the existing racing control bodies to Racing Queensland Limited,” Mr Lawlor said.
“This ensures the continuity of entitlements of staff with all employees of the three existing control bodies earning total remuneration of up to $100,000 to be employed on the terms and conditions of employment at least equivalent to what they now enjoy for a period of at least two years.”
The legislation takes effect from 1 July 2010.
