The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association has congratulated the LNP for developing a racing policy that will strengthen the breeding and racing industry.
"This is a positive move forward for the struggling Queensland industry and will provide an injection of confidence for stakeholders," said TBQA President, Basil Nolan.
"The LNP has consulted with industry representatives over the past few months andit is that grassrootsinput that has helped to develop this policy," said Mr Nolan.
It includes:
* Providing a guaranteed funding commitment of $72.9 million in new funds, over the next four years for prize money for country racing
* Establishing the We Love Our Country Racing Clubs fund, a $15 million capital works boost that is dedicated to supporting smaller rural and regional clubs that need minor infrastructure upgrades.
* Establishing a Country Racing Board as a proper advisory body under our new governance model, providing local clubs and racing participants with more control over country racing operations.
* Providing a new $1 million country racing events program as an important tourism driver in regional communities.
* Introduce virtual racing, which should result in as much as $7 million additional funding for the industry every year.
"The LNP has acknowledged the importance of the racing industry and this is a good foundation that can be built on over the coming years to strengthen the industry," said Mr Nolan.
"Realisticallythere is stilla long way to gountil the Queensland industry receives the same Government support as NSW and Victoria, but this is certainly a step in the right direction."
