Racing Queensland Limited has released an Industry Infrastructure Plan - a blueprint to improve and modernise the foundations of the racing industry.
The racing industry in Queensland currently contributes $1.44 billion to Gross State Product and employs around 30,000 people but the current trading conditions do not allow clubs to undertake massive infrastructure upgrades.
Racing Queensland Limited are asking industry participants to back themselves by supporting the creation of new multi-use venues and embracing moves to make strategic use of other long-held facilities.
Some highlights of the Industry Infrastructure Plan include :
$30 million to develop a multi-use 3-code racing & training facility at the Ipswich Turf Club.
$49 million to redevelop racing facilities at the Bundall Racecourse on the Gold Coast.
$24 million to upgrade racing & training facilities in Beaudesert, as well as stabling to return it to TAB status.
$18 million to totally redevelop Ooralea Racetrack in Mackay (including 80 on-course stables & upgraded public & member facilities).
$15 million to redevelop Cluden Park in Townsville & relocate greyhounds to the racetrack as well as new training & stabling facilities.
$6 million for Cairns for a multi-use greyhound & thoroughbreds facility as well as training.
A further $4 million (on top of the $6 million already spent) to further upgrade Callaghan Park in Rockhampton.
$900,000 for Country Racing to assist clubs reach minimum Occupational, Health & Safety standards.
Now that this proposal document has been publicly released, an Industry Infrastructure Plan Working Group will obtain further feedback via individual meetings with relevant industry and community stakeholders throughout the State.
Held over a two-week period, additional information provided during this process will be used to finalise Racing Queensland Limited’s Plan on or before 31 December 2010. This will form the basis on which Racing Queensland Limited will seek to secure additional funding resources.
Copies of the Industry Infrastructure Plan are available for download at http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/about-rql/industry-infrastructure.aspx
