Plans for new $100m Eagle Farm grandstand to be unveiled

Eagle Farm will have its crumbling grandstand replaced in a $100m makeover to be announced by the Queensland Government.

Queensland’s premier horse racing track, Eagle Farm, will get a sparkling new main spectator grandstand with the pivotal project to be unveiled by Racing Minister Tim Mander on Saturday morning.

The ageing John Power stand wasn’t quite falling down – but it wasn’t far from it – with engineers warning it would have to be closed down in August 2026.

The Brisbane Racing Club had been seeking State Government funding assistance and now The Courier-Mail can reveal funding has been unlocked as part of the Government’s response to the Queensland Racing Review.

Mander is set to announce the main spectator stand will be replaced with modern facilities, upgraded amenities, more accessibility and a premium experience for racegoers.

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It is understood the project could cost upwards of $100m, with some of the funds likely to be provided in loans and with the State Government expecting to be repaid in full for that portion.

The BRC had already offered an undisclosed financial contribution towards the project and Racing Queensland is a key partner in the deal.

Mander told The Courier-Mail he fully understood the importance of Eagle Farm to the racing industry.

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It is the state’s top racetrack, with marquee races including the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap during the winter carnival, and is the heartbeat of wagering turnover in the Sunshine State.

“A strong thoroughbred racing industry starts with strong Tier 1 clubs and that’s why we are partnering with the Brisbane Race Club to replace the ageing John Power Stand at Eagle Farm,” Mander told The Courier-Mail.

“The former Labor government had no plan for country racing, no plan to fix the Eagle Farm grandstand, no plan for harness racing, no plan for regional greyhound racing, no plan to enhance integrity and animal welfare, and no plan to future proof this $2.5bn industry that employs close to 14,500 Queenslanders.

“We will announce that we will deliver several measures to support racing infrastructure across the state.”

Eagle Farm will get a new $100m grandstand. Picture: Trackside Photography

Further details on the funding of the new grandstand and a potential timeline are likely to become clearer after Mander’s announcement.

As part of previous discussions between the parties, it is understood there was the potential of a new grandstand being delivered by 2029-2030.

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Other Eagle Farm facilities and stands are likely to need to be refurbished while the John Power stand is out of action, with the addition of temporary infrastructure after the stand’s closure.

Eagle Farm and Doomben are the economic engine room of Queensland racing.

But it is understood the BRC needed to spend almost $200,000 in maintenance to ensure the safe use of the John Power Stand during this year’s winter carnival and has budgeted a further $600,000 to nurse the stand through to when it is condemned.

The independent Racing Review led by former Australian Turf Club chairman Matt McGrath will announce its recommendations on Saturday and the State Government will also announce its response.

It was set to be announced in October, but there was a delay centred around a review recommendation to reduce the point of consumption tax (POCT) paid by bookmakers from 20 per cent to 15 per cent in Queensland.

But senior Government figures weren’t convinced and it seems probable the POCT will remain at 20 per cent.

If that is the case, there is the prospect of corporate bookmakers significantly reducing their products and offering in Queensland.

On Saturday, the Government will also announce changes regarding Racing Queensland as well as some potential changes in integrity operations.

Originally published as Plans for new $100m Eagle Farm grandstand to be unveiled