BRC boss Karl deKroo hits out at ‘chronic underfunding' as Eagle Farm spectator future clouded with closure of John Power Stand
Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap Day is the marquee event of racing in Queensland and will be staged at headquarters at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
But deKroo said there was 'no clear path forward' for operating the state's premier track for spectators and owners beyond next year's Stradbroke because the major spectator facility, the John Power Stand, will be closed in August next year.
Beyond that, independent engineers have insisted there will be no extensions to the safe use of the ageing stand.
It is understood the BRC needed to spend almost $200,000 in maintenance to ensure the safe use of John Power Stand for this Stradbroke Season. It has budgeted a further $600,000 to nurse the stand through to when it is condemned.
deKroo said State Government investment was needed in the short-term to ensure the business could continue to operate and stage race meetings.
'We're now just over 12 months away from the forced closure of the John Power Stand, which is our main spectator facility at Eagle Farm,' BRC CEO deKroo said.
'Unfortunately, at this point we have no clear path forward.
'While we will be able to deliver the 2026 Stradbroke Season, it will be difficult for us to continue operating Eagle Farm for spectators and owners beyond that unless we begin work on some well-scoped contingency plans in the near future.
'We've been encouraged by positive discussions with Racing Minister Tim Mander and the Queensland Government.
'Unfortunately, this is a problem that has been inherited by the new Government, but they understand what's at stake.
'This isn't just about a grandstand in Brisbane, it's about investing in infrastructure befitting of the headquarters of racing in the state.
'It is also an investment in a racetrack that ultimately keeps the entire Queensland racing industry running.'
It is understood the BRC is attempting to work on a staged funding plan with Government of $150m to $160m over three to four years.
That would include refurbishment of the existing Paddock Stand and Members Stand together with the addition of temporary infrastructure to carry the club through an initial period after the John Power Stand closure.
The ultimate aim is a replacement stand being delivered by 2029-2030.
While there has been significant investment in other racing projects in the regions, including a new $100m greyhound facility at Purga near Ipswich and major investment on the Gold Coast thoroughbred track including lights, deKroo insisted the city racing scene needed more love.
'Unfortunately, over a long period there has been chronic underfunding of metropolitan thoroughbred racing in Brisbane,' deKroo said.
'It is not for us to debate the merits of investment in other areas.
'Pleasingly there is a growing recognition that racing in Queensland is only as strong as its metropolitan club.
'If these issues aren't addressed, the consequences will be felt across the entire state.
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'Eagle Farm and Doomben are the economic engine room of Queensland racing.
'They are the primary drivers of an industry which a recent Racing Queensland report says delivers more than $2.5 billion in economic benefit to the state.
'If we lose momentum here, we put that at jeopardy and lose the capacity to fund prize money and support country and regional clubs.'
The BRC has offered an undisclosed financial contribution towards the project.
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