New $25m Eagle Farm grandstand at starting gates
The Queensland Government has announced plans for a new grandstand at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm Racecourse, revealing planning was now underway for demolition of a key structure at the site.
A new grandstand will replace Eagle Farm’s existing John Power Stand, which is scheduled to be decommissioned in August this year kicking off with a $25 million boost.
The state government said the new facility would be a modern design with upgraded amenities, more accessibility and a better experience for racegoers.
The plan will see $100 million invested overall as part of The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, a $200 million Racing Future Fund to reform racing infrastructure across Queensland.
The Next Lap program aimed to provide operational stability, new infrastructure, stronger integrity, enhanced animal welfare outcomes and safeguard country racing across Queensland.
Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said providing modern racing infrastructure was a priority for the Queensland Government.
“The grandstand is nearing end of life, and by delivering this initial $25 million, the demolition of the John Power Stand can begin at the conclusion of the Winter Carnival,” Mander said.
Mander also said long-term stability was essential for the $2.5 billion industry that employs more than 14,000 Queenslanders.
Racing Queensland (RQ) CEO Lachlan Murray said with $25m from the Racing Infrastructure Fund secured, planning for a new grandstand and Phase One of the Terraces works could now begin.
“It gives us the certainty to have tenders in place to get the demolition work started in August, once the 2026 Winter Carnival wraps up,” Murray said.
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Brisbane Racing Club chairman Richard Morrison said the logistics of delivering these kinds of works while ensuring racing continuity during the redevelopment required were enormous.
“Working with RQ, we will make sure there is as little disruption as possible for participants and punters from the end of the 2026 Winter Carnival through to the start of the 2027 Winter Carnival,” Morrison said.
As part of the Racing Future Fund, Marburg Showgrounds, Toowoomba Turf Club and Bundaberg Greyhound Racetrack will see infrastructure improvements.
