Almost $1 million in taxpayers' money has been wasted on upgrades to an outback Queensland racetrack that remains unusable.
The Central Warrego Race Club in Charleville was one of many regional racing organisations to receive track upgrade funding from the state government as part of the Country Racing Program.
Bush racing is a beloved part of the outback town's social calendar.
Horse trainer Shane Iverson said his move back to his hometown last year after spending more than a decade based at other tracks had been soured by what could be up to a year-and-a-half without any local race meetings.
"It's very frustrating," he said.
Mr Iverson said it meant additional costs to him and the owners of the racehorses to travel to other meetings rather than having seven races a year at the track where he and his horses were already based.
Where did the money go?
Racing Queensland and Murweh Shire Council worked in conjunction with the race club to refurbish the track in August last year.
The upgrades included a new inside running rail and a sprinkler system so the track could be watered remotely.
The track was also due to be re-sanded.
The project was estimated to have more than $950,000 worth of funds initially dedicated to it from Racing Queensland, the race club and the council.
But rain in late October exposed problems with the newly finished track, which still haven't been fixed.
Mayor, Shaun "Zoro" Radnedge said the council was lucky to realise the issues before it took over responsibility from project managers Racing Queensland.
"We were almost ready to sign over and we would have raced on that track if we hadn't received that rain."
How long until it's fixed?
No races have been held in Charleville since mid last year, with race days diverted to other nearby towns.
Mr Iverson said he had been watching and waiting for movement at the track and was disappointed by the slow process.
"There hasn't been one thing done on the track since then."
Mr Radnedge said the council had been consulting with Racing Queensland and Racing Minister Grace Grace since the initial upgrades failed.
He said shire ratepayers would not foot the bill for further track repairs.
What happened?
Racing Queensland engaged turf specialist company Global Turf to carry out the track refurbishment after plans were drawn up by engineers.
A contract was awarded for more than $500,000 .
Global Turf had also been previously contracted by Racing Queensland to complete the Innisfail Turf Club renovation last year.
Global Turf has not replied to the ABC’s requests for an interview, and the ABC is not suggesting it was responsible for any issues with the track.
Racing Queensland declined the ABC's requests for an interview.
In a statement, however, it said: "Following extensive testing and review, representatives from Racing Queensland, along with consultants and contractors met with key stakeholders, including club, council, trainers and jockeys, on site [on May 31] to finalise the scope of works in repairing the course proper for a return to racing.
Ms Grace also declined an interview request but said in a statement she was aware of the issue.
"I have raised it directly with the CEO of Racing Queensland who has assured me he is looking into it and that action will be taken."
More than horses
Mr Radnedge said it was disappointing his community was missing out on the social benefits of bush racing while the track sat idle.
"It's definitely been a challenge," he said.
"[Race days are] an opportunity for the community to come together."
Charleville's race days usually draw a large crowd, including from surrounding communities.
Mr Iverson said locals were also missing out on the economic flow-on effects from the country racing season, when racegoers opened their wallets for fuel, food, alcohol and fashion.
"Because we're not racing here, the whole town is missing out on a very large amount of money," he said.
