The Queensland Government has established the Training Assistance Fund due to the recent floods encountered across the north of the state.
Earlier today, Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced the measure to assist trainers who have encountered additional animal welfare, care and transportation costs due to the catastrophic rainfall event that has inundated the area.
To commence the fundraising Racing Queensland has donated $20,000, with the organisation’s exclusive on-course wagering partner, TAB, contributing a further $25,000.
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In addition, TAB has also provided $20,000 to GIVIT, a not-for-profit organisation connecting those in need, taking their overall contribution to $45,000.
Ladbrokes, the only corporate wagering operator headquartered in the state, has also recognised the need to assist the North Queensland industry with a $20,000 donation.
“We’re extremely grateful to TAB and Ladbrokes, who have made significant contributions to commence our fundraising endeavours,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“The recent floods have had a profound impact on the North Queensland community and the racing industry has not been quarantined from this event.
“While there are presently tales of incredible community spirit, the weeks and months ahead will be difficult as the rebuild continues and that includes the prospect of financial and emotional hardship for our industry participants.
“We would encourage anyone who has the capacity to donate to do so.”
It’s estimated more than 100 trainers across thoroughbreds and greyhounds have faced additional costs for transport, food, forage and bedding for animals, directly related to the recent floods.
The fund will provide an opening round of payments to eligible trainers of $350 or $700 depending on their respective activity levels. Impacted trainers, who have had racing activity in the last four months, are invited to apply from the following local government areas:
- Burdekin
- Charters Towers
- Cloncurry
- Hinchinbrook
- McKinlay
- Richmond
- Townsville
RQ officials will oversee and administer the Fund to ensure that the pressure is alleviated on affected participants as quickly as possible.
RQ is also working with clubs to ensure normal racing operation is restored as soon as possible with races rescheduled or relocated where possible.
Full details on how to apply for funding, including the assessment criteria for the RQ fund are available here.
Impacted participants may also be entitled to personal financial assistance through the federal government disaster recovery payment and the disaster recovery allowance, with details at the following links:
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/far-north-queensland-floods-february-2019-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/far-north-queensland-floods-february-2019-disaster-recovery-allowance