New laws a shake-up for Queensland racing
A MAJOR re-structure of racing administration in Queensland will result from legislation passed in parliament this week.
Three separate boards are to be set up to control thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing.
An over-arching all codes racing industry board will replace Queensland Racing Ltd in the re-organisation.
A racing disciplinary board will bring racing integrity back under government control and a Racing Integrity Commissioner is to be appointed.
Changes to the Wagering and Interactive Gambling Acts will enable bookmakers to use internet-based technology for betting on-course or at approved off-course premises.
Racing Minister Steve Dixon said the changes were in line with the LNP government's election promises to make racing administration more accountable and to give all racing participants a say.
Mr Dickson also said funding for the Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme had been extended to 2015.
Greening it up
One of the entities looking for support from the capital development scheme is likely to be the Toowoomba Turf Club with an ambition to put the "turf" back into operation at Toowoomba.
The club's chairman Bob Frappel this week said on Radio 4TAB the club had asked to be included in the government's racing infrastructure plan so the Toowoomba cushion track could be replaced by a grass surface.
He said nominations and betting turnover on Toowoomba's cushion track races continued to decline and the Toowoomba Cup had lost its listed status.
Another concern was the cost and difficulty in maintaining the cushion track particularly in the summer period.
A recent water efficiency and management plan investigation indicated there would be sufficient water to maintain a turf course proper and a grass training track.
It was found Toowoomba was no worse-off regarding water than some other clubs. Mr Frappel said news on the expensive change would be forthcoming in the next week or so.
