RQ welcomes the Queensland Racing Review
Racing Queensland has welcomed today’s release of the Queensland Racing Review.
During a public event at Doomben this morning, Racing Minister Tim Mander provided the Queensland Government’s response to the Independent Review - click here to see The Next Lap - which was overseen by Matt McGrath with assistance from Kym Daly, Lynette Keep and Scott Neaves.
More than 1,200 stakeholders, owners, trainers, breeders, clubs, racing fans and animal welfare advocates contributed to the Independent Review with the Queensland Government accepting more than 100 of its recommendations in full or in part.
The highlights include:
The Crisafulli Government will deliver a new Racing Future Fund and invest $200 million towards modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across Queensland.
Infrastructure improvements will be delivered across all three codes, including a new grandstand at Eagle Farm, a new ‘Racing HQ’ at Albion Park, new harness infrastructure at Marburg and Toowoomba, new lights for the Toowoomba Turf Club and a new track for Bundaberg Greyhounds.
The ageing John Power Stand at Eagle Farm will be replaced with modern spectator facilities, featuring upgraded amenities, more accessibility and a premium experience for racegoers. The project will be delivered as a partnership between RQ and the Brisbane Racing Club to ensure the additional investment is repaid.
The new ‘Racing HQ’ will enhance the prominence of Albion Park as the home of Harness racing in Queensland, and will also become the future home to RQ, QRIC and a new Racing Science Centre.
Racing governance will be stabilised with a new hybrid model that will see all non-core functions of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission transition to Racing Queensland.
The modernised structure will give QRIC a clearer focus on delivering stewarding and integrity services, with an Independent Commissioner of Stewards reporting directly to the Racing Minister.
In addition to securing a metropolitan home for the sport, a new training facility at Marburg will unlock opportunities for new participants to enter the industry, while reinstating harness at the original Toowoomba track aims to boost regional participation.
An independent Racing Infrastructure Board will be established to ensure infrastructure decisions are driven by evidence-based proposals and prioritised by industry needs throughout Queensland.
RQ will seek to rationalise its property portfolio and take steps to dispose of underutilised assets, including the former proposed harness racing site at Norwell and QRIC’s Bowen Hills site.
In addition, animal welfare outcomes will be strengthened across the board, with new programs to support post-racing careers for horses and greyhounds, including a new-look Greyhound Retirement Program that will provide monthly vouchers for the care of retired dogs.
Country Racing will be safeguarded for the future with several measures to enhance participation, remove burden from smaller clubs and boost feature racing events, including the expansion of the highly popular Battle of the Bush Series.
“The Crisafulli Government delivered on its election promise to conduct the most thorough examination of racing in our history, and now we have delivered our plan for the future of Queensland racing,” Minister Mander said.
“This plan delivers a more efficient and effective approach to governance and integrity, builds fit for purpose infrastructure, safeguards animal welfare and ensures the ongoing success of country racing.
“I would like to thank the Independent Committee Chair Matthew McGrath and Committee Members Kym Daly, Lynette Keep and Scott Neaves for their hard work and expertise in delivering the Queensland Racing Review 2025.”
RQ will now look to establish an implementation team to progress the recommendations the Government has endorsed with a roll out plan to be developed in the New Year.
This includes significant legislative reform, operational changes and infrastructure works to deliver on the recommendations.
