Racing Minister Grace Grace has today announced $500,000 in flood relief for the Queensland racing industry.
Across the three codes, it’s estimated more than 1200 licensed trainers will face additional costs including transport, food, forage and bedding for animals as a result of the South East Queensland floods.
The fund will provide an opening round of payments to eligible trainers of $350 or $700 depending on their respective activity levels.
Impacted trainers who have had racing activity in the last four months are invited to apply from the following local government areas:
- Brisbane City Council;
- Ipswich City Council;
- Moreton Bay Regional Council;
- Somerset Regional Council;
- City of Gold Coast Council;
- Logan City Council;
- Redland City Council;
- Scenic Rim Regional Council;
- Sunshine Coast Council;
- Noosa Shire Council;
- Gympie Regional Council;
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council; and
- Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the Queensland racing industry has proven time and time again that it is resilient.
“Whether that be through fire, flood or drought – or the COVID-19 global pandemic – the industry continues to navigate its way through the most challenging of circumstances, but it’s important that they receive support,” Minister Grace said.
“The recent floods will have a profound impact on SEQ, but the weeks and months ahead will be difficult and that includes the prospect of financial and emotional hardship for our participants.
“The distribution of the Training Assistance Fund will ensure there is some financial relief for those doing it tough.”
As per the 2019 North Queensland floods, Racing Queensland will oversee and administer the fund to ensure that the pressure is alleviated on affected participants as quickly as possible.
RQ is also working with clubs and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to ensure normal racing operations are restored as soon as possible with races rescheduled or relocated where possible.
Over recent days, QRIC and RQ have worked closely to assess the impact of the SEQ floods on participants – and licensed venues – including close to 1500 calls.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Commissioner Shane Gillard said it was important that all sectors of the industry rallied together in times of need.
“Commission and RQ staff have been contacting many participants who have been impacted by this flood event to determine if anyone needed immediate assistance,” he said.
“The response has been amazing, the calls have ranged from those who needed help, those who just wanted to speak to someone and those fortunate enough who have not had any flood impacts but have offered help to those affected.
“It has been a useful connection with the industry as we have all reached out to determine the most need.”
Impacted participants may also be entitled to Personal Hardship Grants jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
For full details on how to apply for RQ funding, including the assessment criteria visit: https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/training-assistance-fund
