Queensland election 2017: LNP plans to decentralise Racing Queensland
RACING in Queensland would enjoy a prizemoney bonanza and have thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing codes split up in a complete overhaul promised by the LNP should it win government.
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RACING in Queensland would enjoy a prizemoney bonanza and have the three codes split up under a complete overhaul promised by the LNP should it win government.
Opposition racing spokesman Jon Krause will today announce his grand plan to decentralise Racing Queensland along with a $24 million prize money boost and a $72 million country racing commitment.
Harness venue Albion Park would be spared of any redevelopment with Mr Krause saying the venue will be kept for the harness industry to allow it to grow.
It comes after current Racing Queensland CEO Dr Elliot Forbes previously expressed his desire to explore other options on the prized piece of land, valued at more than $100 million.
The LNP would also “review” the role of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), looking to significantly shift its focus towards animal welfare.
Mr Krause said the splitting up of the thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing codes would “empower” the three industries by creating a revamped governance model.
“We are falling further behind the big racing states of New South Wales and Victoria and it’s time we make the changes we need to grow the industry and compete with our interstate rivals,” he said.
“It’s time to let industry be their own masters once again.”
Powerhouse racing states New South Wales and Victoria both have decentralised codes that manage their finances while sitting below a governing body, as the LNP is proposing.
It comes after tumultuous times for the industry following the sacking of the entire Racing Queensland board after Labor’s appointment to government in 2015.
It was revealed RQ’s interim chief executive, Ian Hall, was earning nearly $20,000 a week for more than a year while the Government searched for a replacement.
The industry has continued to be plagued by problems such as the turf at the state’s premier track, Eagle Farm.
Opposition leader Tim Nicholls said he would also establish a $15 million capital works program for regional clubs, allowing them to apply for grants to upgrade rundown facilities.
“We will make country racing sustainable with an additional $16.5 million for more local support and increased prize money,” he said.
“This is our plan to provide a guaranteed funding commitment of $72.9 million over the next four years ensuring long-term funding certainty for country racing events.”
To oversee the changeover, the LNP would implement a governance transition advisory committee.
A minimum bet limit will also be fast-tracked after the current Government delayed its implementation.
Originally published as Queensland election 2017: LNP plans to decentralise Racing Queensland
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