Paper Petition

The petition of Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House that the Government’s cut back in race meetings throughout regional Queensland will be detrimental to the community’s social and financial fabric. Regional communities have relied on race meetings to produce financial support for schools and charity groups where funding is either unavailable or inadequate. Trainers, owners, managers, strappers, jockeys and others associated with the industry will be forced to reassess their position and may relocate or resign, therefore affecting employment opportunities, population numbers and the supporting business’s livelihoods. Race meetings are also an essential part of the social fabric in regional, rural and isolated areas, in some cases being the only major annual event. By withdrawing these race meetings, the Government has not only created financial restraints upon the communities, but also increased social fragmentation of which the ramifications will be irreversible.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to reassess the discriminatory cut backs and reinstate all race meetings, and ensure prize money will sustain racing in rural, regional and remote areas.