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The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association would like all parties running for the State election to outline their policy for the racing industry, which is in crisis.
The Victorian Government recently agreed to inject a further $18 million into VOBIS which will increase the value of a $12,000 maiden to $38,000, a $70,000 city race to $113,000 and an ordinary Saturday race to $125,000.
“This certainly makes Queensland Racing prizemoney, and our QTIS program look extremely ordinary,” said TBQA President, Basil Nolan.
Our newly revised QTIS program offers bonuses of $45,000 for two and three-year-olds in standard metropolitan races, $15,000 bonuses on provincial races and $5000
bonuses on country races.
Under the recent changes to QTIS, every 2yo and 3yo Metropolitan Saturday and Public Holiday race will be worth $95,000. There are 305 Provincial races of $25,000 and 185 country races of $10,000.
“QTIS is a terrific program, but still doesn’t compete with the other States,”
said Mr Nolan.
“We have often requested the State Government for further financial assistance for thoroughbred racing, along with changes to the QTIS administration which we believe would greatly improve prizemoney distribution, but our pleas constantly fall on deaf ears.”
Mr Nolan said millions of dollars are spent on industries such as mining, tourism and manufacturing. So often we see Government handouts and then a few years later those companies relocate off-shore, leaving hundreds of people out of work and no benefits for our economy. Any money the Government invests in racing will remain here.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association would like to know what each political party intends to do to save the Queensland racing industry.
Racing is the fourth largest industry in the State. We both directly and indirectly employ hundreds of thousands of people and inject billions of dollars into the economy annually. However our industry is at threat due to Government ignorance.
The Government takes billions of dollars in taxes through gambling and puts virtually nothing back to help stimulate the industry.
Mr Nolan said you only need to look at the devastating affects Equine Influenza had on the State’s economy, when racing was forced to cease in 2008. We are slowly heading down that same path due to the Government’s total inaction.
“How can we ever compete with Southern markets with the (lack of) financial incentives offered here?” asked Mr Nolan.
“If something is not done shortly to improve our prizemoney and bring us in line with the other States we will see an even greater hemorrhage of our industry and eventually the Government coffers will be affected.
“Unfortunately, by that time it will probably be too late to redeem.”
While there has been assistance with race club infrastructure on the Gold Coast, this does not keep participants in our industry. Owners and trainers need the prizemoney – that is what attracts them to the sport and the more lucrative the financial gains, the more money the Government will make through turnover. You have to spend money to make money!
Just look at the success of the Magic Millions Carnival. It is the State’s largest tourist event, generating millions of dollars for Queensland. Tourism Queensland invests heavily into the promotion of this event and it proves how popular, successful and financially lucrative racing can be.
“How much does this event generate the State Government in tourism, hospitality and betting turnover?” asked Mr Nolan.
“This could be achieved right across the State every weekend, although on a much smaller scale, if the industry had the financial support it needs and deserves.”
The TBQA has no political affiliation. We are asking all political parties to publicly outline their racing policy. There are hundreds of thousands of people whose livelihoods are at stake in this industry and they want to know that their future will be secure. |
