POCT changes, Albion Park closure rejected as Queensland government plots a new path for racing

The Queensland government has accepted the majority of recommendations put forward by the Queensland Racing Review, but rejected five key suggestions, including a reduction of the Point Of Consumption Tax, the closure of Albion Park and a 15-point plan for racing in south-east Queensland.

Racing Minister Tim Mander announced his response to the racing review, which was chaired by former Australian Turf Club chairman Matthew McGrath at Doomben on Saturday, releasing his own plan for the future of Queensland racing entitled The Next Lap.

He accepted 79 of the 110 recommendations of the McGrath report without reservation, and another 26 of them in principle. But five recommendations will not proceed, including some of the most significant.

The Next Lap outlines that a Future Fund will be established that will see $200 million made available to help deliver modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure. 

It includes Albion Park being developed into a new Racing HQ, a new grandstand will be constructed at Eagle Farm and there will be upgraded regional infrastructure for all three codes.

It also commits to improvements being made to animal welfare protocols, funding models, operating models and infrastructure.

But it was what was left out of the government’s plans that is set to cause the most discussion.

The decision not to reduce Queensland’s Point Of Consumption Tax rate from 20 per cent to 15 per cent has blindsided bookmakers who have been lobbying the government for a change for most of this year.  

“The Racing levy and POCT will remain unchanged. Government will instead deliver a $200 million Racing Future Fund, a new-look program to help deliver modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure across the state, while also providing a platform for industry wide investment opportunities,” the response to the recommendation said.

The McGrath Review had pointed out that the current rate, higher than any other state, “places the Queensland market as an outlier and disincentivises WSPs from engaging in this market”.

Albion Park’s closure was also a key recommendation, with plans to build an infield harness racing venue at Doomben put forward as part of the 15-point South East Queensland racing plan, as well as RQ’s takeover of that venue.

But the Crisafulli government have instead opted to make Albion Park a centrepiece of Queensland’s racing future, with a “Racing HQ” established to become the future home to RQ, QRIC and a new racing science centre. 

There will also be further investment in harness with Toowoomba to get a new harness track, along with major upgrades at Marburg, which is slated to become an elite harness training centre.

The south east Queensland venue plan put forward by the McGrath review was designed to address “assets that are aged, underutilised and no longer fit for purpose and undercapitalised precincts”.

“By co-locating QRIC and RQ at a world-class Equine Centre and revitalising Doomben and Eagle Farm, the Plan transforms SEQ into a racing hub of national and international significance and reduces the costs of maintaining duplicated infrastructure at multiple sites, simultaneously creating significant community benefits,” it read.

But while some aspects of that plan received the nod of approval, the majority didn’t, with any changes wrapped up in the $200 million future fund plan. The proposed sale of Deagon also appears to be off the agenda.

Mander confirmed that an independent Racing Infrastructure Board will be established and RQ will seek to rationalise its property portfolio and take steps to dispose of underutilised assets, including the former proposed harness racing site at Norwell and QRIC’s Bowen Hills site.

There was also a focus on country racing, with measures to enhance participation, remove the burden from smaller clubs and boost feature racing events, including the expansion of the Battle of the Bush Series. 

The John Power Stand at Eagle Farm, which is set to be condemned in mid-2026, will be replaced, with the project to be delivered as a partnership between RQ and the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC).   

“Today we deliver more than a report, but a clear and inspiring roadmap to guide Queensland’s racing industry into a prosperous new era,” Mander said.

“For racing to endure, and ultimately prosper, the entire industry will have a part to play. This is not a task for government alone.

“Clubs, participants, volunteers, and industry bodies must all share in the responsibility to shape a stronger future. Together we can ensure Queensland racing stands the test of time.

“There will be decisions to make and trade-offs to navigate, but I have great faith in our collective capacity to strengthen an industry that is sustainable and built to last. It will take time, but it’s a journey worth taking because the steps we take now will define the future of racing for decades to come.

“In responding to the Review, the Queensland Government is committed to strengthening trust, supporting animal welfare, bolstering integrity, and modernising infrastructure.”

Racing Queensland issued a statement welcoming the report.

“RQ will now look to establish an implementation team to progress the recommendations the Government has endorsed with a roll out plan to be developed in the New Year,” it said.

“This includes significant legislative reform, operational changes and infrastructure works to deliver on the recommendations.”