Highlights of the proposed Rockhampton redevelopment include:

• Float carpark upgrade
• Infield greyhound facilities
• Barrier shed and workshop
• Bullring upgrade
• Refurbishment of existing tie up stalls
• Stables and ancillary facilities
• Effluent irrigation system

Mr Bentley said since the initial upgrade, Rockhampton has been the fastest growing provincial racing industry in Queensland.
“To continue with the upgrade at Callaghan Park would further increase the standard of the facility,” he said.
“The development proposal would improve the standard and the operational functionality of the facility for participants, racing officials and patrons, and would also further improve the training facilities with additional stables to be established.
“In terms of the greyhound racing facilities and infrastructure, a new kennel block including a veterinarian and stewards’ room, an upgraded entertainment facility and an improved viewing area are all proposed as part of the development.
“If this Plan proceeds Racing Queensland Limited would consider the conversion of Rockhampton greyhound meetings to TAB status.”

Mr Bentley said the racing industry in Queensland currently contributes $1.44 billion to Gross State Product and employs around 30,000 people but the current trading conditions do not allow clubs to undertake massive infrastructure upgrades. 
“In the short time that Racing Queensland Limited has been in operation (since July 1, 2010) it has had the unique opportunity to look at the industry as a whole,” he said.
“As part of the amalgamation of the three codes, Racing Queensland Limited has undertaken a review of all racing venues in order to make better use of the available facilities for the benefit of the entire industry and to secure the future of racing in Queensland.”
If implemented, the Industry Infrastructure Plan would deliver an upgrade of facilities located in key racing areas such as Rockhampton.
“The Board of Racing Queensland Limited has been mindful to include decentralised proposals so that the benefits would be truly State-wide,” Mr Bentley said.
“Hundreds of jobs would be created across the State, especially regionally, as RQL works to ensure Queensland has some of the finest facilities in the country.”
Mr Bentley said implementation of the Plan would rely on securing funds from a number of sources including the $80 million in redirected wagering tax already committed by the Queensland Government, the scrapping of the proposed Logan Greyhound facility and the sale of Albion Park Raceway.
 
“The Plan has been based on industry views about future priorities after meeting with various clubs and stakeholders from all three codes throughout July,” he said.
“If the racing industry in this State is to succeed into the future, we must collectively shift our focus from internal to external. The industry must unite and pursue common outcomes and not continue to operate independently, in many cases competing with each other.
“The Plan doesn’t favour one code or one club over another it ensures all clubs and codes work together to improve racing across the State.”
 
Mr Bentley said now that this proposal document had been publicly released, an Industry Infrastructure Plan Working Group would obtain further feedback via individual meetings with relevant industry and community stakeholders throughout the State.
This feedback process will be held over a two-week period until 22 December 2010. Additional information provided during this process will be used to finalise Racing Queensland Limited’s Plan on or before 31 December 2010. This will form the basis on which Racing Queensland Limited will seek to secure additional funding resources.

Copies of the Industry Infrastructure Plan are available for download at www.racingqueensland.com.au.
Media Contact: Sequel Communications, 07 3251 8111
Shaun Rigby, Sequel Communications, 07 3251 8140 or 0438 021 936
Shari Armistead, Sequel Communications, 07 32518134 or 0434 313 066
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