Sweeping reforms to revitalise Harness Racing in Queensland

Harness Racing in Queensland is set for a major transformation, with significant infrastructure upgrades and the return of the sport to key regional centres under a new state government reform package.

The Queensland Government has unveiled sweeping changes as part of The Next Lap: A Plan for the Future of Queensland Racing, following the Independent Queensland Racing Review 2025. The reforms aim to reinvigorate the harness racing industry through the creation of a statewide Harness Racing Corridor linking metropolitan and regional hubs.

Central to the plan is the execution of the Albion Park Master Plan, which will see the historic venue become the new Racing Headquarters for Queensland. The redevelopment will deliver modern spectator facilities for the Albion Park Harness Racing Club, new offices for Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), and a state-of-the-art racing science centre.

The co-location of RQ and QRIC is designed to improve operational efficiency while maintaining the independence of integrity and stewarding functions across all three racing codes.

Further strengthening the industry, the Marburg Showgrounds will be upgraded to an Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre. Its strategic position between Brisbane and Toowoomba places it close to key standardbred breeding and training populations.

Harness Racing will also return to Toowoomba, with the sport to be re-established at the Toowoomba Turf Club infield. The move will create a high-quality western racing corridor between Brisbane and the Darling Downs, increasing regional participation and opportunities.

To support the delivery of these upgrades, Racing Queensland will begin steps to dispose of the former proposed harness racing site at Norwell.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said maintaining a metropolitan presence for harness racing was critical.

"Despite repeated calls from the industry for harness racing to remain in the city, the former Labor government planned to move the code to Norwell - and we have put a stop to that," Minister Mander said.

"Establishing a new Racing HQ at the spiritual home of harness racing, Albion Park, places the code front and centre and brings the administrative and integrity arms of the industry together under one roof.

"The addition of a training centre at Marburg will attract new participants to the sport, while the return of harness racing to Toowoomba will boost regional engagement."

Racing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murray said the Albion Park redevelopment would deliver long-term benefits for the entire racing industry.

"Implementing the Albion Park master plan ensures harness racing remains at the heart of Brisbane and creates new opportunities to generate non-racing revenue," Mr Murray said.

"Co-locating RQ and QRIC at Albion Park through a hybrid operating model will improve administrative efficiency while preserving industry confidence in the independence of integrity functions."

Albion Park Harness Racing Club chairman Greg Mitchell said the announcement secured a strong future for the sport.

"We are delighted that Albion Park will not only remain the metropolitan home of harness racing in Queensland, but will also expand to become Racing HQ," Mr Mitchell said.

"Albion Park is synonymous with world-class harness racing, and this investment ensures its iconic status continues well into the future."

Marburg Pacing Association president Shaun Gillespie welcomed the establishment of the Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre.

"This development will strengthen harness racing west of Brisbane and provide breeders and trainers with access to top-class facilities," Mr Gillespie said.

"Creating a western harness racing corridor will encourage more people to become involved in the industry."

Darling Downs Harness Racing Club committee member Anthony Collins also praised the decision to return the sport to Toowoomba.

"It has been far too long since harness racing had a permanent presence in the city," Mr Collins said.

"Re-establishing the code at the Toowoomba Turf Club will deliver major benefits for local breeders, trainers and owners and support the growth of harness racing across regional Queensland."