High stakes in racing rejig
WITH moves in place to rejig the Queensland racing industry, Warwick Turf Club president Jim Costello hopes country racing associations will be heard.
"The country racing associations don't have a lot of input," he said.
Earlier this week, the LNP resolved to reform the industry, starting with an audit of Racing Queensland and an investigation into whether or not it was a "fit and proper" control body.
Mr Costello said changes at the top could trickle down and help Rose City racing.
"I am hopeful that one of the things that would come of this is that county racing associations will have more input into the decisions made in country racing," he said.
"We didn't have any say, we would just make a recommendation but if the board didn't like it ..."
Treasurer Tim Nicholls welcomed the appointment of Steve Dickson as Racing Minister and said he would provide excellent leadership while the government moved to restore faith in the industry.
Mr Dickson said the $1 million already committed to country racing would be dished out this coming financial year.
"We want our racing industry to get back on track and assure all those involved in the industry that they have a bright future," he said.
