What’s happening?
The Queensland racing industry has delivered another strong year of growth, now contributing close to $2.5 billion per annum to the state’s economy — with over $75.5 million of that directly benefiting the Townsville region.
The results, detailed in Racing Queensland’s FY24 Size and Scope Report released in May 2025, confirm that racing remains an economic powerhouse across Queensland. A new media statement also highlights that Queensland’s racing industry grew by $50 million compared to the previous year.
“Racing Queensland’s latest Size and Scope Report once again highlights the sheer size and strength of the Queensland racing industry,” said Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander.
“The racing industry continues to be a vital contributor to Queensland, headlined by its near $2.5 billion annual contribution to the state’s economy, whilst continuing to support close to 14,500 full-time jobs,” he said.
Why it matters?
The Townsville racing industry supports 503 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, provides income to more than 2,600 participants, and draws locals and visitors to racing events that drive broader community and business activity.
The industry’s broader success is underpinned by:
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A 104% rise in total value add since FY16.
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A 52% increase in full-time employment since FY16, from 9,546 to 14,472 FTE jobs.
“More than half of the total value added impact occurred in regional areas of Queensland, with Townsville one of the strongest contributors,” the report notes.
RQ Chair Steve Wilson AM added: “Racing runs through the veins of so many Queenslanders, and the sheer size and scale of our industry remains remarkable,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s a significant achievement that, despite the ongoing challenges, the industry has maintained a continued rise in value added contribution, with more than half directly benefiting regional economies,” he added.
Local Impact
Townsville’s racing industry contributed $75.5 million in value added in FY24, including:
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$55.7 million from Thoroughbred racing.
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$17.9 million from Greyhound racing.
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$1.9 million from Harness racing.
It also sustained:
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503 FTE jobs across direct and flow-on industries.
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2,603 participants, including owners, trainers, breeders, staff, and volunteers.
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1,019 horses and greyhounds trained locally.
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51 foals/pups bred in Townsville.
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206 volunteers supporting local trainers.
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206 stable/kennel employees.
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1,454 registered owners of racing animals.
By the numbers
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$75.5 million — total Townsville contribution.
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503 FTE jobs sustained.
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2,603 local participants.
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1,019 horses and greyhounds trained locally.
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51 foals/pups bred in Townsville.
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206 volunteers assisting trainers.
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206 stable/kennel staff.
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1,454 registered owners.
Zoom In
Townsville continues to play a leading role in Queensland’s racing landscape:
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The local greyhound racing industry generated $17.9 million — one of the state’s strongest regional contributions.
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The region supported 162 local trainers.
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206 stable/kennel staff worked across the racing sector.
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206 volunteers supported local trainers, demonstrating the deep community engagement in the industry.
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51 foals/pups were bred locally in FY24, underpinning the growth of the local breeding sector.
Townsville also hosted:
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3,130 thoroughbred and greyhound race starts.
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504 non-TAB race starts, reinforcing the city’s role as a grassroots racing hub.
“There are close to 49,250 roles occupied in the Queensland racing industry as an employee, participant or volunteer — almost 80% of these are in regional communities,” the report notes.
Racing Queensland is further strengthening the club network through programs such as:
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Pay It Forward Program — enabling larger clubs to share equipment with smaller regional clubs.
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Cheer a Volunteer Awards — recognising the vital contribution of volunteers statewide.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our industry. Their commitment ensures racing thrives in communities like Townsville,” the report highlights.
Zoom Out
Statewide in FY24:
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The racing industry generated $2.456 billion in value added.
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14,472 FTE jobs were sustained — a 52% increase since FY16.
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The state hosted nearly 32 race meetings per week, drawing 810,600+ race attendees, with 73% of attendance from outside Brisbane.
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More than 15,100 horses and greyhounds were trained across Queensland.
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The industry supports 49,248 participants statewide.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said:
“Racing continues to provide an essential service to Queensland’s regional communities, generating local jobs, stimulating small business, and delivering community value through its network of 120 racing clubs,” Mr Scott said.
What to look for next?
Townsville’s racing community is well-positioned to benefit from:
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The Queensland Government’s ongoing racing reforms, including the largest review of racing funding and operations in decades.
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Continued upgrades to Townsville’s racing infrastructure and community facilities, enhancing the local racing experience.
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Further investment in greyhound racing, already contributing a standout $17.9 million locally.
Minister Mander added:
“We are currently undertaking the most significant Racing Review in decades encompassing all three codes. The focus of this review is ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for the sector,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is steadfast in its support for the racing industry… supporting almost 50,000 participants from Birdsville to Cooktown and everywhere in between,” Minister Mander said.
