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Fifteen race clubs in the Darling Downs, Maranoa and South West Queensland will share in $848,000 worth of funding to deliver new and improved racing infrastructure.

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the funding was part of a $3.9 million country racing infrastructure package to be shared between 55 Queensland race clubs.

The funding for the three regions includes:

• Cunnamulla & District Diggers Race Club – $45,000 for female Jockeys’ room upgrade
• Injune Race Club – $85,000 for new tie up stalls
• Noorama Picnic Race Club Inc. – $14,000 for fencing to public area
• Quilpie Diggers Race Club – $10,000 for barrier refurbishment
• Roma Turf Club Inc. – $50,000 for upgrade of inner and outer running rails
• St George Jockey Club – $35,000 for fencing of wash bay/stalls area and mounting yard
• Bell Race Club – $30,000 for padding to starting barrier/place getter stand and refurbishment of 3 towers
• Chinchilla Race Club – $219,000 for erection of 2 sheds donated by Brisbane Racing Club, new inside running rail and transfer of existing rail to outside and fencing for mounting yard/enclosure
• Dawson Jockey Club – $110,000 for new tie up stalls and fence patron area
• Flinton Race Club – $20,000 for barrier refurbishment
• Goondiwindi Race Club – $115,000 for new running rail on chutes and upgrade tie up stalls
• Talwood Race Club – $20,000 for barrier refurbishment
• Tara Race Club – $50,000 for upgrade to Jockey/Stewards’ room.
• Texas Jockey Club Inc. – $20,000 for barrier refurbishment
• Warra Race Club – $25,000 for fencing and cement works to wash bay area

“Country racing is integral to communities and residents living in the Darling Downs, Maranoa and South West Queensland,” he said.

“Small non-TAB clubs are at the heart of these communities, bringing people together and supporting local economies.

“They’re not rich clubs by any means, but they have to meet ongoing infrastructure needs and this doesn’t always come cheap.

“These funds will help improve the financial bottom line of these clubs while delivering the infrastructure they need going forward.

“It’s all part of the Palaszczuk Government’s four-year $70.4 million Country Racing Support Package which is delivering great results at the grassroots level.”