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Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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Mareeba boys take centre stage
ARGUABLY two of Mareeba’s finest footballers took centre stage last Saturday afternoon at Barlow Park. Jamie Carroll and Nicholas Panetta (pictured) – two former products of the Mareeba United Football Club – performed admirably for the FNQ Heat and Brisbane Roar Youth respectively. Prior to his stint with the FNQ Heat, Carroll relocated to the UK and played football for Ramsgate FC. Panetta has recently returned to Queensland from Chile, where he was a member of the Australian U/17 World Cup squad which qualified for the last 16 of the tournament. Both boys now play in the National Premier League (NPL) and Saturday’s match was their NPL clash against each other. For more on the Heat’s 2-1 win and a full wrap of the week’s sport – turn to Pages 22 and 23.
Country racing threat By Justin Fris
Q
UEENSLAND’s country racing community is bracing itself ahead of a parliamentary vote which could seal its longterm fate this week. The Palaszczuk Government’s proposed Racing Integrity Bill has been wholeheartedly panned throughout all racing sectors, (thoroughbred, harness and greyhound) along with the LNP Opposition and Katter’s Australia Party crossbenchers Shane Knuth (Member for Dalrymple) and Robbie Katter (Member for Mt Isa) Racing officials (particularly across the Far
North) believe that the Palaszczuk Government has turned its back on country racing. They want the Bill to be withdrawn – and actually be able to sit down with the Government to put forward ideas for the future of their industry. With the Palaszczuk Government and the LNP currently locked at 42 seats apiece, the decision will ultimately be left in the hands of three independents – Rob Pyne (Member for Cairns), Billy Gordon (Member for Cook) and Peter Wellington (Member for Nicklin). Within the Bill, Minister Grace Grace recommends the appointment of a Racing Integrity Commissioner, which she believes will ensure
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long-term viability of the racing industry. Additionally, club funding, prize money and meet opportunities available for country racing clubs will be slashed under the proposed legislation. LNP Shadow Minister for Racing Jann Stuckey visited the Mareeba Turf Club last week and met with several racing stakeholders across the Far North. Acutely aware of the current situation, Ms Stuckey said parallels between south east and country meetings were unrealistic. “The philosophy between the LNP and the ALP on country racing is poles apart,” she said.
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“The LNP recognises that country racing is an intrinsic part of the rural and remote community values. “It also brings jobs and camaraderie. That, in regions which are spread apart – and face difficult times – is more than you can probably put a value on. “I also know that when you have events in country areas, that for every dollar spent, $5 actually goes back into the local community. “Therefore the benchmarks and measurements used in south east Queensland are certainly not appropriate for country Qld.” CONTINUED PAGE 3
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