Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steven Dickson
Multi-million boostfor Racing Queensland prizemoney
The Newman Government is continuing to fulfil its election commitment to rejuvenate racing in Queensland, with the announcement today that Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) would increase prizemoney across all three codes of racing in the coming racing year by a total of $3.5 million.
The LNP’s $5 million contribution to the Queensland Thoroughbred Investment Scheme (QTIS) over two years has facilitated an environment in which RQL is now in the positions to increase prizemoney. The remaining $1 million has been provided through administrative savings achieved by the new Board of RQL.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson welcomed RQL’s decision, saying it went some way to ensuring that racing in Queensland stayed competitive with the southern states in the immediate future.
“Right across the board, the strappers, trainers and owners have told me over and again that boosting prizemoney is the most crucial thing that can be done to bring racing back to life in Queensland,” he said.
“Better prizemoney will have direct flow on benefits for the entire industry.
“I am committed to rejuvenating racing in Queensland and working together with the newly appointed RQL Board to inject hope and confidence in the future leadership of the sport.
The Minister said after 20 years of Labor’s mismanagement, the LNP Government was now working overtime to restore confidence in the racing industry.
“The Government I am apart of unashamedly backs this important industry, which employs 30,000 people and supports 130 community based clubs,” he said.
“I will never stand by and watch the sector be run like it was under Labor, which is why we are now going through a process which, when complete, will again give industry a real say in how the sector is run.”
Mr Dickson said larger prizemoney pools would be seen across all codes of racing, with thoroughbred midweek and country racing meetings receiving critica l boosts; and harness and greyhounds racing also receiving much needed funding.
The new prizemoney initiatives will be available from September 1, 2012.
