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RQ announces $3.9 million CRP allocation

4 June 2019

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Racing Queensland has allocated $3.9 million under the Country Racing Program to support 54 clubs across the state.

Earlier today, RQ approved 86 priority projects during the opening round of CRP funding which was established by the Queensland Government in recognition of the social and economic benefits country racing provides the industry.

In total, RQ received more than 250 submissions – worth an estimated $11.3 million – with the organisation’s steering committee prioritising core racing infrastructure and health and safety applications in the first instance.

Key projects across the regions include:

- Significant track remediation at the Innisfail Turf Club, Mount Isa Race Club and Towers Jockey Club;
 
- New running rail at the Chinchilla Race Club, Gladstone Turf Club and Barcoo Amateur Race Club; and
 
- Replacement tie-up stalls at the Dawson Jockey Club, Kumbia Race Club and Injune Race Club.

With the Queensland Government providing $2.6 million per annum for non-TAB racing club infrastructure repairs and maintenance and asset replenishment and replacement – as part of a broader $70.4 million funding package - RQ undertook an extensive application process to approve the opening round of submissions.

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Government was committed to supporting country racing and was delighted to see more than 50 non-TAB clubs benefiting thanks to the CRP.

“Country racing is integral to communities and residents throughout Queensland,” he said.

“Small non-TAB clubs in regional areas are at the heart of these communities, bringing people together and supporting local economies.

“They’re not rich clubs by any means, but they have to meet ongoing infrastructure needs and this doesn’t always come cheap.

“These funds will help improve the financial bottom line of these 54 clubs across 86 projects, delivering the infrastructure they need going forward.

“It’s all part of the Palaszczuk Government’s four-year $70.4 million Country Racing Support Package which is delivering great results at the grassroots level of Queensland’s racing industry.”

As part of the application process, clubs were invited to partake through an online submission portal and were asked to address the project assessment criteria.
 
Following a vetting process, a short-list was developed for RQ’s Country Racing Panel before final approval was granted.

With a second round of CRP funding expected to open before the end of the calendar year, RQ General Manager Corporate Affairs and Policy Mary Collier said unsuccessful applicants would be granted the opportunity to re-apply in 2019.

“Our country clubs play an integral role in communities right across Queensland and they continue to support the vibrancy of our industry,” Ms Collier said.

“The submission of more than 250 applications demonstrates the need for support remains high in our regions and we’re grateful for the Queensland Government’s assistance to deliver much-needed repairs and maintenance.

“In the coming months, 54 country clubs will be the direct beneficiaries of the Country Racing Program and we look forward to assisting further clubs when the second round opens.”

Click here to see a full list of the successful clubs, approved projects and further information on the approved works under CRP.