Caption: The celebrations start after Jay Is Jay seals the Greyhound Origin Series for Queensland (Photo: Box 1 Photography)

By Racing Queensland CEO JASON SCOTT

As we start the new financial year, it was pleasing to recently announce that the Queensland racing industry’s impact on the state’s economy now exceeds $2.2 billion per annum.

Over the past 12 months, racing has continued to boom in the Sunshine State, with independent economic data delivered by IER – a specialist in the tourism, events and entertainment industries – demonstrating an increase of more than $300 million from FY21 to FY22 – an increase of 16%.

During the same period, a further 2,012 full-time jobs (+15%) were generated, with the Queensland racing industry now responsible for 15,593 full-time employees across the state.

Remarkably, racing’s impact on the state’s economy has grown from $1.2 billion in FY16 to $2.2 billion (+83%), while full-time jobs have risen from 9,546 to 15,593 (+63%).

Since FY21, economic growth remains consistently strong across the three codes of racing. For the greyhound code, we have seen an increase from $245 million to $301 million (+23%).

Pleasingly, participant numbers also continue to grow, reaching 49,786, with returns back to the industry reaching a record-high $299.3 million (+72% from FY16).

You can visit the Racing Queensland website to read the full Size & Scope report.

Winter Carnival success

The Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival is in full swing, and it was great to see Albion Park packed once again for the famous Origin Greyhound Series.

The Queenslanders – led by rising star Jay Is Jay – successfully retained the shield in a thrilling contest, after going down 1-0 following the distance race.

The Origin Greyhound Series has quickly become one of the highlights on the national racing calendar, and a staple of the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival.

Over its five-year inception, we continually see the Series generate strong interest both within the industry and amongst the community more broadly.

We’d also like to once again thank both coaches, Ben Hannant and Terry Hill, in their roles as respective coaches.

All eyes now turn now to the historic $1 million Brisbane Cup on July 7, as a number of the country’s best chasers descend upon the Sunshine State.

The Q unveiled

During last month’s Winter Carnival launch at Suncorp Stadium, we also unveiled the Q as the future home of Queensland greyhound racing.

In a nod to the industry’s past, the broader precinct at The Q, incorporating the gardens, walkways and community facilities, will be known as Parklands, while the track names will be known as:

• Q1 Lakeside;
• Q2 Parklands; and
• Q Straight.

As part of the reveal, the respective track logos have been incorporated into an overall ‘Q design’ as part of the primary brand to be utilised at The Q.

The gold pallet has been selected to position the brand as the pinnacle of Queensland greyhound racing including the $1 million Brisbane Cup.

The powder blue pallet of the Q1 Lakeside branding is reflective of the water elements at the precinct, with the track situated next to a picturesque lake.

A dusty green colour pallet has been determined for the Q2 Parklands to reflect the colours of the native Swamp Tea-Tree’s that are found at The Q, while a traditional maroon colour pallet will utilised for the Q Straight.

With civil works having recently commenced, a new era for the Queensland greyhound industry will be ushered in next year when The Q hosts its first meeting.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime project we are delivering, and it will be enjoyed by generations to come.

You can read more about the announcement on the RQ website.

NAIDOC Week celebrations

Finally, this month Racing Queensland will celebrate NAIDOC Week with a range of activities planned across our three codes throughout the state.

NAIDOC Week plays a pivotal role in Australia each year; providing an opportunity for all of us to recognise – and reflect – on the fact that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

For the greyhound code, the running of the NAIDOC Celebration Race will be held at Capalaba on July 2, celebrating our Indigenous culture through ceremonial aspects including a Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony.

As a sport, racing has long understood the power it possesses to unite communities and engender hope across Queensland.

We are constantly striving to create respectful relationships and to provide enhanced opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – and businesses – to become involved in the Queensland racing industry.