LONG-TIME Warwick Turf Club official Jim Costello wants certainly and stability in the industry after the appointment of respected Queensland business leader Steve Wilson AM as interim chair of Racing Queensland.

The appointment was announced at the weekend by Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace.

Costello is the immediate past president of the Warwick Turf Club and current Eastern Downs Country Racing Association secretary.

“The industry wants stability from the new chair,” Mr Costello said.

“There has been too much change and too much uncertainly being pushed by the current management of Racing Queensland,” Costello said.

“We need certainty and stability. Mr Wilson won’t make too many big decisions until the Integrity Commission Bill goes to the house. One of his first tasks will be to appoint a new CEO.

“My main concern with the Integrity Commission is the cost, we don’t want it to be an added cost burden on the industry. There are good things in the bill but I have concerns about the board structure.”

Racing Minister Grace Grace said Mr Wilson was appointed via an independent, merit-based selection process.

“Steve Wilson brings a wealth of business and corporate experience to the role.

“For 30 years, he was Chair and CEO of an ASX-listed financial services company which he successfully transformed from stockbroking into funds management.

“Mr Wilson has also served as Chair of Brisbane’s South Bank Corporation for 16 years and been a director of Telstra and Tourism Queensland.”

Last week, Racing Queensland announced the Warwick Turf Club had eight meetings for the 2016-2017 year.