Update on the implementation of The Next Lap

2 October 2026

The Queensland Government has provided an update on the implementation of The Next Lap: a plan for the future of Queensland racing.

Work underway - remainder of 2026

The remainder of 2026 will focus predominantly on progressing governance and construction priorities.

Key work underway includes:

Establishing The Next Lap Oversight Committee, comprising senior representatives from the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games (DSROPG), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), RQ and QRIC to guide implementation of The Next Lap.
Ongoing work to progress governance and legislative options to support a future streamlined model, including the integration of RQ and QRIC functions within a hybrid governance structure.
Preparing the Nowell and Bowen Hills sites for sale, including market valuation, legal compliance and approvals, alongside engagement on the future of Deagon Racecourse.
Establishing a Racing Infrastructure Advisory Board to provide recommendations on projects for consideration under the Racing Future Fund.

Proposed governance model

Collectively, we are progressing towards a model for the future governance of racing in Queensland.

Of course, the next steps are subject to thorough consultation and part of a Parliamentary Committee process whereby public submissions are welcome.

The timing of legislation is dependent on government priorities.

What is the model?

The Queensland Government is proposing a hybrid governance model that amalgamates the functions of RQ and QRIC into one statutory organisation, while preserving independent integrity and animal welfare oversight through a statutory Chief Integrity Officer (CIO).

The model is designed to:

provide clearer accountability across the racing industry
reduce duplication between RQ and QRIC
improve coordination and decision-making
deliver operational efficiencies
maintain strong integrity and animal welfare oversight.

Independent Chief Integrity Officer

The CIO to be equal standing to the CEO, and cannot be dismissed by the Board or CEO directly.
The CIO will have direct reporting obligations to both the Racing Minister and the RQ Board on integrity and animal welfare matters.
Independent reporting safeguards.
Quarterly reports by the CIO to the Board and Minister.
CIO must advise whether sufficient resources are being allocated to integrity and animal welfare functions.
CEO and CIO must immediately report any matters to the Minister that significantly impact on public confidence in the integrity of the Queensland racing industry.

Integrity and welfare subcommittee

To ensure integrity is front of mind, a dedicated Integrity and Welfare subcommittee will be established featuring a member from the RQ board as well as independent members.
This is an important inclusion for the future governance and strategic direction of racing in Queensland.

Other key features

The Racing Appeals Panel will continue with its existing review and appeal functions.

Looking ahead - 2027

Implementation of The Next Lap will continue throughout 2027, with a focus on progressing the next phase of governance, infrastructure and industry reforms.

Key areas of work will include:

Commencing works to re-invigorate harness racing at Toowoomba, including re-instating and lighting the harness track at the Toowoomba Turf Club.
Establishing the Jockey Retirement Fund.
Establishing a formal stewarding qualification pathway to help address workforce challenges.
Undertaking a strategic assessment and consultation on essential safety measures for greyhounds.
Finalising the design for the new Racing HQ at Albion Park – the future home of RQ and QRIC.
Commencing operation of the Racing Future Fund.
Demolition of the John Power Stand at Eagle Farm.
Trialling of a ’Hub and Spoke’ model for regional clubs.
Continuing preliminary works on the Marburg Super Site, a new elite training centre for Queensland harness racing.

Implementation to date

Progress has been made across several of The Next Lap initiatives, including preliminary infrastructure works, stronger integrity protocols, a new-look racing calendar, enhanced participant education and animal welfare initiatives.

Key actions implemented to date include:

The reformed RQ Board now includes broader representation across the industry, including from regional Queensland, ensuring the perspectives and priorities of regional and rural racing are reflected in decision-making.
Preliminary planning works have commenced on the Bundaberg Greyhound track rebuild, including conversion of the grass track to sand.
RQ has reviewed and updated its Whistle Blower Policy and Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing compliance across Racing-Controlled Entities.
QRIC is progressing recruitment for the Senior Wagering Integrity role.
RQ has approved a new Lighting Up Racing Strategy to enhance fan engagement and commercial outcomes for the industry.
An initial $25 million investment from the Racing Infrastructure Fund has been committed to the first phase of the $100 million redevelopment of the John Power Stand at Eagle Farm.
RQ has launched The Racing Institute, a state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre on the Gold Coast and the new home of the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program.
RQ has completed a review and benchmarking process of the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program, which remains one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind nationally.
Enhancements to the Battle of the Bush thoroughbred country racing series have been announced, with a new regional harness racing series commencing in October.
The Queensland Government’s 2026–27 Budget included $200 million to deliver a new Racing Future Fund to help deliver modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across Queensland.