Racing industry eager to head in a stable direction
The return of a Queensland government for a second successive term could finally deliver some much-needed stability to the state’s thoroughbred industry in the eyes of a Toowoomba racing official.
Toowoomba Turf Club chairman Kent Woodford said the Labor government’s return to power this month gives it the opportunity to build on long range plans to reinvigorate an industry battle-scarred after the continual turnover of governing bodies.
“Away from the politics of it all, it will be good for racing if we can finally get stability back into the Queensland industry,” Woodford said.
“I think regardless of who is in power, racing should always be put above politics.
“An industry of this size surely should be grown in a bipartisan fashion rather than seeing us go back to square one every time there is a shift in power.
“Racing Queensland (RQ) now has the chance to expand over the next four years on plans that have been put in place.
“This is our chance to start taking some ground off the other states that have kept moving forward.”
RQ figures show the Queensland racing industry generates $1.2 billion in economic turnover and sustains more than 9500 full-time equivalent jobs.
It employs or engages about 42,000 workers with more than 47% of the economic value attributed to regional areas of the state.
Queensland Labor announced pre-election a commitment of $17.5 million per year over the next four years to fully fund the cost of country non-TAB thoroughbred racing throughout the state.
There is industry optimism that move will free up RQ money for use in other areas, most notably increasing prize money.
Lobbying for a boost to Clifford Park’s lagging prize money levels remains the Toowoomba club’s major focus for 2018.
Meeting with newly appointed racing minister Sterling Hinchliffe, who replaces Grace Grace, is also on the club’s new year short-list.
“Prize money is still our number one focus,” Woodford said.
“We are also keen to try and form a good relationship with the new racing minister.
“We’d love to show him what we offer here in Toowoomba and outline our successful contribution to the Queensland industry.
“I’m quietly confident we are in for better times ahead with developments like the merger of Tatts and Tabcorp.
‘I’m very hopeful.”
❝regardless I think of who is in power, racing should always be put above politics. — Kent Woodford