“It’s as if he has been woken up and thinks that he has a duty to criticise the Queensland Government notwithstanding the Government has just confirmed a significant funding package for the racing industry including the Gold Coast Turf Club,” said Mr Bentley.
“The fallacious claims in his recent press release are typical of those we have become accustomed to from Stevens. Too lazy to pick up the telephone and ask a question or two, he continues to just fire shots in the air hoping to hit a target, any target. The LNP deserves better than this.“The proposal to develop the Gold Coast Turf Club is to be a major development on the Gold Coast, redefining racing in the opposition Premier’s own electorate - hardly politically motivated or dodgy.
“To make sure that the facts are public and there can be no misunderstanding; the following is the correct situation. The wagering tax redirection is a result of 12 months consultation and numerous submissions to the Bligh Government for the Racing Industry for all codes and is not just for the Gold Coast Turf Club. The submission will pass the toughest of markers on accountability.
“The tax relief is over four years and will gross up at approx $80 million. There will be other industry funds added and a commercial credit facility will be established to undertake essential industry projects in all codes.
“The funds will be made available to a combined control body with no collar from the Bligh Government. The projects have been identified in an “Issues Paper” and formed the basis of the submission.
“The Government is making available $80 million for infractructure projects for all codes of racing across the State. The funding injection is the largest ever by a government of any political persuasion.
“There is nothing coming back to the Government except the recognition of the importance of the racing industry and the 40,000 Queenslanders who derive their income from this industry and the critical need for infrastructure upgrades to sustain this employment.
“Ray, are you getting the message? Lights on yet?
“The statement by Stevens of $10 million being offered for the Bundall assets that he claims are worth $100 million along with his other ramblings, make no logical sense and are typical of Stevens’ lack of knowledge and understanding of this initiative.
“Stevens must be constantly domiciled in a dark room if he cannot understand that a major investment in the Gold Coast Turf Club to deliver on a significant development will require a change in the asset structure. This is merely commercial reality, something that the racing industry will have to come to grips with. The days of grants to private members clubs are over.
“Full consultation will be carried out with the members of the Gold Coast Turf Club as soon as possible. The proposed development will not impede the enjoyment of members, only add to and enhance their racing experience.
“The proposal by Queensland Racing with the funding package by the Bligh Government will provide increased events on the Gold Coast and lift prizemoney for stakeholders to new levels.
“If Stevens were serious about the advancement of the Gold Coast and the well being of his electorate, he should be congratulating the Bligh Government not making stupid assumptions. He should, I suggest, see what the LNP can do to help.
“Unfortunately, conspiracy theories of the kind contracted by Ray Stevens are an incurable condition.”
QUEENSLAND RACING MEDIA RELEASE
For further information contact QRL chairman Mr Bob Bentley on 0419 964 210.