The country racing industry will be a big winner if the Palaszczuk government is re-elected with its promise to back Queensland Country Racing with a $35.2 million commitment.
This latest purse is not only for prize money, but also maintenance of tracks and facilities.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the commitment to Queensland Country Racing would see $15m a year over two years dedicated to prize money, and $2.6m a year over two years go towards maintenance of racetracks.
"Queenslanders know that country races bring regional towns together," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Importantly, country races are good for jobs, not just trainers, jockeys and strappers but flow on jobs in small businesses providing over 2400 jobs across 102 country towns.
"The Palaszczuk government has always looked after Country Racing, and we are willing to continue this commitment and provide even more for country racing into the future."
Labor's candidate for Burdekin Mike Brunker said the new commitment builds on the Palaszczuk government's past investment of more than $5.8m into country racing across North Queensland.
"That was part of a wider investment of more than $70m," Mr Brunker said.
"This new funding will continue to make the racing industry in Queensland more sustainable and guarantee the ongoing maintenance of tracks and facilities."
Labor's candidate for Hinchinbrook Paul Jacob said he welcomed the Palaszczuk government's renewed commitment to country racing.
"Racing means a lot to so many towns in the region like Ingham," Mr Jacob said.
"They are anticipated events on many calendars, especially in the recovery from the impacts from this year's worldwide pandemic."
Labor candidate for Mundingburra Les Walker said so many local jobs, both inside and outside the industry, depend on the local races.
"Because the Palaszczuk government made strong decisions at the border and ensured Queenslanders were kept safe, racing never stopped in Queensland and because of this racing remains on a great track into the future," Mr Walker said.
Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said because of failures under the previous LNP government, the Palaszczuk government established Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as an independent statutory body, with a range of functions regarding the integrity of the racing industry codes.
"When it comes to backing country racing the Palaszczuk government has always led by a length," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"As we continue to implement Queensland's plan for economic recovery, the Palaszczuk Labor government will continue to back country racing."