Securing the future of Tasmania’s racing industry

26 August 2021

Jane Howlett MP

Minister for Racing

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering more upgrades to racetracks and training for jockeys in order to secure the future of the racing industry in this State.

In order to make this happen, the 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget allocates $3 million into one-off infrastructure upgrades at the Longford Racecourse, the Brighton Training Centre and the Devonport Racing Club. This is on top of the $7.5 million the Government will contribute over the next two years to underpin the development of new harness and greyhound racing facilities on the North West Coast.

Racing is a critical industry for Tasmania, generating more than $103 million a year in economic activity in the State, particularly benefiting rural and regional areas.

More than 5,500 Tasmanians are either employed in the industry or are direct participants, and the State Government’s support for the industry gives it the confidence to continue growing.

This is why we are also delivering $2 million over 4 years to deliver improved training for jockeys including reintroducing jockey apprentice training and mandatory training packages linked to licences in Tasmania through TasTAFE.

We are also providing additional funding to support the thoroughbred and harness breeding by extending the current program to 2024-25. This crucial funding has been allocated to increase foal numbers in Tasmania.

Over the Forward Estimates we are increasing annual stakes across all three racing codes of 16 per cent over four years, including six per cent this financial year. This is on top of the 19 per cent increases we have already delivered in stakes over three years to February this year.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government will do everything it can to support the racing industry with further investment so those in the industry can thrive and succeed right here in Tasmania.