ANALYSIS: What new LNP government must prioritise for horse racing in Queensland

With the LNP stepping into government for the first time in almost a decade, they will take over racing in the state at a delicate time with turnover on the downswing and insurance costs soaring.

ANALYSIS

A change in government in Queensland brings with it new ideas for racing and the LNP steps into office at a crucial time for the sport, which is one of the biggest employers in the state.

Soaring insurance costs and a dramatic increase to the minimum standards required to hold a race meeting have put a strain on officials, who are looking everywhere to stretch limited dollars.

Racing in Queensland has gained momentum under the leadership of Jason Scott along with the recent high-profile appointments at the state’s integrity body, with Catherine Clark and Kim Kelly tasked with turning it around from the disastrous previous administration.

Incoming premier David Crisafulli and his freshly minted racing minister will need to quickly work out what their priorities are when it comes to racing.

Could John-Paul Langbroek be Queensland’s new racing minister? Picture: Glenn Hampson

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While Tim Mander held the racing portfolio in opposition, it is understood longtime Gold Coast MP John-Paul Langbroek is also in the frame for the cabinet position.

Here are some of the biggest issues facing the new government:

COUNTRY RACING

If the LNP wants country racing to continue in its current format in Queensland, it needs to be properly funded.

It is more expensive than ever for Racing Queensland to hold meetings at remote tracks that host as few as one meeting per year.

With many of them needing six-figure upgrades to be raised up to racing standard, the new government will need to decide if it wants to invest in grassroots racing by bringing facilities up to scratch.

Racing Queensland boss Jason Scott has constantly warned that it wasn’t Green groups or anti-racing crusaders which held the biggest threat to the sport, but insurance companies who refused to issue policies.

“It is hard in the city, but once you get out of the city it is very troublesome,” Scott told Racenet in August.

“I would suggest one of the greatest challenges to racing in the next 10, 20 or 30 years is insurance.

After surfing to victory on the back of support from electorates outside of Brisbane, the LNP needs to establish a funding model that can keep racing in the regional areas viable.

While in opposition, Tim Mander said the LNP would perform a review of racing in Queensland. Picture: Liam Kidston.

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PRIZE MONEY

Queensland simply cannot afford to slash prize money as the squeeze goes on with a falling wagering dollar.

The Sunshine State has clearly established itself behind New South Wales and Victoria, however cannot afford to give more ground to those two states with cuts.

There’s plenty of optimism about racing in Queensland, however any cuts would quickly take the air out of the tires.

MORE STABLES

It is no secret that the stabling situation in southeast Queensland is reaching crisis point.

A boom in the horse population has seen the area quickly outgrow its capacity when it comes to housing horses.

A master plan around Deagon could be created, with plans to turn it into a world-class training centre.

There is no doubt it is currently under-utilised and looms as a huge opportunity for the new government.

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Facilities at racetracks aren’t getting any younger and a proper plan needs to be put in place by the powers that be around constructing a fund that can bring them into the 21st century.

The Brisbane Racing Club has been lobbying both sides of government for a new grandstand at Eagle Farm, which could cost upwards of $100m, a project that would seem unlikely in the current climate.

More tracks are going to need significant work over the next decade than those that won’t, so a fully-funded plan needs to be established to satisfy those needs.

Included in that is how the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission is funded.

Originally published as ANALYSIS: What new LNP government must prioritise for horse racing in Queensland