The Monto Race Club is home to a brand-new quarters for both jockeys and stewards.
The new building includes an officials’ room, stewards’ room, jockey facilities and male and female amenities, including disability access.
The $219,000 project was funded via Round 3 of the Palaszczuk Government’s Country Racing Program.
As part of a six-year commitment, the Palaszczuk Government provided more than $105 million to support country racing including asset repairs and replenishment, with 50 projects awarded across the Sunshine State in the last year alone.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the jockey and stewards’ quarters were an important upgrade for the North Burnett-based club.
“The Country Racing Program recognises the social and economic benefits of country racing for regional communities, as well as its role in the Queensland racing industry,” Mr Scott said.
“Previously, jockeys and stewards at Monto had been using a building that was over 50 years old, which makes this upgrade even more vital.
“The delivery of the new rooms follows previous CRP-funded projects at Monto Race Club including the refurbishment of a barrier stall, installation of a new tower and tie-up facilities.”
The Monto Race Club holds one annual meeting, with the feature race of the day being the Ken and Gordon Russell Memorial Open Handicap 1200m.
Monto Race Club Secretary Kerri Williams was full of praise for the infrastructure funding the club had received over several years.
“It has enabled the club to undertake various projects at the track, all of which are now incredible assets to racing at Monto,” Ms Williams said.
“The club is extremely grateful to the Queensland Government for the latest funding for the upgrade of the jockey/steward building that has been completed in recent months.
“This new building will be utilised some of our most important race day officials, stewards and jockeys, while also incorporating our secretary’s office and will service the club for many years to come.
“Country racing is the lifeblood of rural towns and receiving this funding has enabled our club to improve facilities to bring them up to an outstanding level that will be greatly beneficial to all sections involved in racing.
“On behalf of the Monto Race Club, I would like to sincerely thank the Palaszczuk Government for their continued support and funding, as we would not have these opportunities to enhance country racing clubs without it."