Country Club Asset Funding recipients unveiled

Country racing clubs across the state are set to benefit from more than $3.5 million in infrastructure upgrades.

Racing Minister Tim Mander has announced 43 clubs from across regional Queensland will share in $3 million as part of the third round of the Country Club Asset Funding program.

A total of 51 new projects have been approved for delivery as part of the funding stream, with close to $600,000 in co-contributions.

Minister Mander said the funding will continue to deliver jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits across the state.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of country racing proud to support country racing clubs with a pipeline of vital infrastructure projects right across the state,” Minister Mander said.

“We continue to be steadfast in our support for the racing industry, which hosts close to 32 meetings a week and supports almost 50,000 participants from Birdsville to Cooktown.”

“Country racing is the lifeblood of so many towns across the state, which is why investment in these projects, creating jobs, infrastructure improvements and community benefits, is so important.”

Designed to support country racing club infrastructure repairs, along with maintenance and asset replenishment, approved projects include:

• Judges’ facility upgrades at Ewan Amateur Turf Club and Mount Isa Race Club;
• New barrier stalls at Bedourie Amateur Race Club and Gympie Turf Club;
• New jockeys and stewards’ facilities for Central Warrego Race Club and Cloncurry & District Race Club;
• New tie-up stalls at Cunnamulla & District Diggers' Race Club, Eidsvold Race Club and Prairie Jockey Club;
• Stewards’ towers at Bundaberg Race Club and Emerald Jockey Club; and
• Running rail installations at 15 clubs, including Aramac Racing Club, Betoota Race Club, Monto Race Club, Quilpie Diggers' Race Club, and Stamford Race Club.

“Racing Queensland’s most recent Size & Scope Report highlights the sheer size and strength of our industry, generating close to $2.5 billion in value added contribution to the Queensland economy in FY24,” RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said.

“Importantly, 51% of that directly benefits regional economies, which further underlines the importance of programs like the Country Club Asset Funding. 

“The CCAF ensures that almost 14,500 full-time racing jobs across the state remain sustainable going forward, and we thank the Crisafulli Government for their support in delivering another $3 million in country racing infrastructure.”

Click here for more information on Country Club Asset Funding.