THE Palaszczuk Government has today delivered for racing, jobs and certainty in approving funds for the second phase of the Eagle Farm racecourse development.

Minister for Sport and Racing Bill Byrne said getting racing back at Queensland’s premier race course was good for the racing industry, the state and for creating jobs.

“The Government has approved for a commercial Treasury loan of $12 million to be delivered to Brisbane Racing Club in order to install the tunnels and infield works at Eagle Farm,” Minister Byrne said.

“The construction of Phase two of the development at Eagle Farm will create more than 300 jobs and this work is now expected to commence in the coming weeks.

“The Queensland Government has now delivered almost $22 million on the development of Eagle Farm and we are working closely with Racing Queensland and Brisbane Racing Club to ensure the project is delivered.”

The $12 million second phase of the project will see two tunnels constructed under the course proper to allow for vehicle access to the course’s in-field, which will facilitate the construction of in-course stabling and a car park. Flood mitigation and earthworks will also be carried out on the in-field as part of the overall project.

“This project has been delayed for too long,” Minister Byrne said.

“When we came to Government earlier this year the Eagle Farm development was languishing. The former Government had done half the job, shutting down racing and leaving the hard work for someone else. It’s been over a year since the former Treasurer, Mr Nicholls, announced this project – it’s taken Labor to sort through the detail, work with industry and get it done.”

Racing Queensland Acting CEO Ian Hall said the return to Eagle Farm was vital for the Queensland racing industry’s future and welcomed the Government’s decision.

“The finalisation of the Eagle Farm project will restore the industry’s confidence in our premier track and continue to reap benefits to the industry for many years to come,” Mr Hall said.

“Over the past month, we have conducted a number of stakeholder meetings to ensure the realisation of the project and this is a great outcome for all involved.

“With the Government’s sign-off, we anticipate on-site works on the in-field will begin within the next few weeks with a view to having the track back in action by next year’s winter carnival.”

The first phase of the project, which is the $10 million upgrade of the course, is well under way, but its completion has been reliant on the construction of the tunnels. The finalisation of the in-field component will also pave the way for the Brisbane Racing Club to commence work on its $1.2 billion master plan as part of its vision to turn the state’s premier racing facility into a thriving commercial and residential facility.

Brisbane Racing Club Chairman Neville Bell said today’s announcement provides confidence for members and industry stakeholders.

“This is exciting news for the Brisbane Racing Club and its Members. Eagle Farm is vitally important to the Queensland racing industry and now we can prepare with confidence for its return to racing.

"I would like to thank the State Government and the interim Racing Queensland administrators for their assistance leading up to this announcement. There has been a genuine spirit of cooperation between all parties to find a solution that will benefit the wider Queensland racing industry."

Brisbane Racing Club has been appointed as the project manager for this stage of the Eagle Farm development with contractors to be onsite from August.