The second round of funding for the Country Racing Program will open today, Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has announced.
Funded as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s four-year, $70.4 million Country Racing Support Package, the CRP provides $2.6 million per annum for non-TAB thoroughbred clubs to assist with repairs and maintenance, along with asset replenishment and replacement.
Earlier this year, Racing Queensland approved 86 priority projects during the opening round of CRP funding across 54 clubs.
RQ received more than 250 submissions – worth an estimated $11.3 million – with the organisation’s steering committee prioritising core racing infrastructure and health and safety applications in the first instance.
Key projects funded via the opening round of CRP included:
- Significant track remediation at the Innisfail Turf Club and Mount Isa Race Club;
- New running rail at the Chinchilla Race Club, Gladstone Turf Club and Barcoo Amateur Race Club; and
- Replacement tie-up stalls at the Dawson Jockey Club and Injune Race Club.
“Country racing plays an integral role in many communities across Queensland," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"The Palaszczuk Government’s four-year, $70.4 million Country Racing Support Package ensures our non-Tab clubs can access funding for much-needed repairs and maintenance, along with asset replenishment.
“These clubs are often the heartbeat of their communities – providing an important social destination on race days and throughout the week – which extends well beyond racing to include health, education and employment benefits.
“With the Queensland racing industry responsible for providing $1.5 billion in value added contribution to the state’s economy – 43% of which is realised in regional economies – the Palaszczuk Government continues to support those in regional, rural and remote communities.”
The second round of CRP applications will open today and will run through until January 31, 2020 via the online application process on RQ’s RaceCube.
Clubs must submit one application per separate project, however, they may apply for multiple projects.
Ineligible items include but are not limited to: the repayment of debt and loans; sponsorship; prize money; and the purchase of equipment and/or services that benefit an individual.
Click here for further information on the second round of CRP funding.