- Racing a prize industry for the region, adding $35 million a year to the economy
- Industry doubles in value to a record $2.4 billion under Labor
- Investment in projects at country racing clubs
The Queensland racing industry's annual contribution to the Mackay economy has surpassed $35 million in 2022-23.
Racing Queensland has released its latest independent economic data delivered by IER – a specialist in the tourism, events and entertainment industries – which demonstrates racing contributed a record $2.4 billion towards the state's economy in 2022-23, representing a 100% increase since Labor came to office in 2015.
Almost 250 extra full-time jobs were generated in racing in 2022-23, with the industry now responsible for 15,839 full-time equivalent jobs across Queensland – an increase of 66% since 2015.
While the latest figures show the overall economic contribution of Queensland racing under Labor has doubled, it also shows that remarkable growth continues to be shared across all three codes of racing:
- Thoroughbreds – rose from $959 million to $1.8 billion (+90% since 2015-16)
- Greyhounds – rose from $113 million to $344 million (+204% since 2015-16)
- Harness – rose from $142 million to $232 million (+64% since 2015-16)
In the Mackay region, which takes in six clubs from Clermont to Middlemount, the industry was responsible for generating $35.9 million in value added contribution to the local economy in 2022-23, which represented a 97% increase since 2015.
The industry has more than 1,500 participants involved in the Mackay region and supports over 280 full-time jobs in the region (+89% since 2015-16).
Important infrastructure projects, large and small, have also been supported in the region and are helping set local racing clubs up for future success including a new set of 12-stall starting gates worth $150,000 at Bowen Turf Club and a $62,000 fencing installation at Moranbah Race Club.
As stated by Racing Minister Grace Grace:
"The economic value that racing in Queensland delivers has now doubled under the current Labor Government since 2015," Ms Grace said.
"With more than 40 race meetings staged in the region each year, and more than 1,500 participants driving the local industry, racing is absolutely thriving.
"This includes the Mackay Turf Club, which plays a key role during the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival each year, along with country racing meets at places like Bowen and Moranbah.
"With around 280 full-time jobs in the region, those are salaries and wages that directly benefit the Mackay economy.
"Racing has a bright future under the Miles Government, with a pipeline of major infrastructure projects nearing completion, supported by 80 percent of betting tax revenue being reinvested back into the industry."
As stated by Assistant Minister for State Development and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert:
"Mackay has a proud racing history and the region's six clubs are valuable assets to our local economy, providing jobs to around 280 people.
"The Mackay region's racing calendar continues to be a major drawcard in our communities and the future looks bright.
"The Miles Government's commitment to continued investment in the industry means regional clubs can grow and thrive and continue to provide valuable input to the region".
As stated by RQ Chair Steve Wilson AM:
"The IER data once again highlights how wide-ranging and impactful the racing industry's size and scale is across Queensland," Mr Wilson said.
"Importantly, the continued rise in value added contribution remains consistent in rural Queensland, with more than half directly benefiting regional economies."
"The Mackay region plays a pivotal role through both our feature northern carnival, and the non-TAB sector which showcases our invaluable contribution to local communities."
"Our unrelenting focus on returning payments to participants including prize money - along with strategic infrastructure - has provided confidence in the industry, and in return, strong economic growth and employment figures."
Click here to see key economic changes from FY16 to FY23.
Click here to see a full copy of Mackay's 2022/23 Size and Scope Report.
Click here to see a full copy of the 2022/23 Queensland Racing Industry Size and Scope Report.
