Racing Queensland will have a new home at Albion Park after several key recommendations of the Matthew McGrath review into thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing in the state were rejected.
McGrath made 110 recommendations, but it was the rejection of the Point of Consumption Tax, the closure of Albion Park and a 15-point plan for racing in south-east Queensland that will shape the sport for the remainder of the century.
A plan forward named “The Next Lap” features a $200 million future fund for infrastructure. It’s the development of new Racing headquarters at Albion Park and grandstand for Eagle Farm as well as regional infrastructure upgrades.
Racing Queensland will move from Deagon to Albion Park but there’s no mention of what will happen to the facilities at Deagon or a budget for the move.
McGrath highlighted what he thought was important to make Queensland racing stronger.
“The review in itself was framed on two overarching principles of ‘Governance and Integrity’,” McGrath wrote. “This steered the review team to act at the highest professional standards and ensured, as we collated recommendations, that they were both clear and accurate representations.”
“Adding to the review were the ‘Five Pillars of Racing’ which I devised a number of years ago being: welfare, social, financial, wagering and ownership.
“These ‘Pillars’ ensured we were able to have meaningful and transparent conversations with stakeholders and industry participants, through the over 1200 written submissions and the many in-person meetings across Queensland and beyond.”
The release of the review was reportedly held up by the government’s reluctance to accept a drop from 20 percent to 15 on the PoCT.
“The racing levy and PoCT will remain unchanged,” the government said in rejection of the recommendation.
“Government will instead deliver a $200 million Racing Future Fund, a new look program to help deliver modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across the state, while also providing a platform for industry wide investment opportunities”.
Queensland’s racing minister Tim Mander said releasing the review gives racing a roadmap for the future that will take in all parts of the state and the industry.
“Today we deliver more than a report, but a clear and inspiring roadmap to guide Queensland’s racing industry into a prosperous new era,” Mander said. “For racing to endure, and ultimately prosper, the entire industry will have a part to play.”
“This is not a task for government alone. Clubs, participants, volunteers, and industry bodies must all share in the responsibility to shape a stronger future. Together we can ensure Queensland racing stands the test of time.”
“There will be decisions to make and trade-offs to navigate, but I have great faith in our collective capacity to strengthen an industry that is sustainable and built to last.”
“It will take time, but it’s a journey worth taking because the steps we take now will define the future of racing for decades to come.”
