An extra annual payment will be offered to attract more equine vets to Tasmania to address a critical shortage, but there are doubts about how effective it will be.
Tasracing has offered a $20,000 incentive above the pay offered by the employer in the first year of the deal for equine vets who relocate to the state.
The amount will be reduced over the next two years of the three-year deal, but those sums have not been determined.
The money has been offered amid fears one of Tasmania's only dedicated equine veterinary hospitals may be forced to close.
The Longford Equine Clinic, in the state's north, has been searching for a new vet for more than two years.
Veterinary surgeon Chris Cornes, who is intending to retire, says no-one has expressed interest in the position.
If a new vet or buyer for the practice cannot be found, its doors will have to close.
Tasracing chief executive Andrew Jenkins said the financial incentive was designed to make Tasmania more competitive than other states.
"Across the country Australia is suffering from a critical shortage of veterinarians — an issue that we have been working to address in a Tasmanian context for some time," he said.
"We acknowledge that this shortage has the potential to adversely impact the welfare of racing animals in Tasmania."
Mr Jenkins said the introduction of the allowance was needed to address the equine vet shortage, especially at Longford.
"Longford is a major training centre for racehorses," he said.
"Attracting and retaining vets is critical to maintaining high standards of animal welfare."
'More problems' than just money
Dr Cornes has welcomed the measure.
"I think it'll help," he said.
"It'll get the word out there more — it always helps to get the message out.
"I don't want to sound too pessimistic — it's really good Tasracing has done that, very happy they've recognised the problem and come on board with something positive.
"I guess it remains to be seen whether we do get much response because of that."
Dr Cornes doubts the incentive will be enough to get equine vets to move to the state.
"Look, I don't think so," he said.
"There's more problems and difficulties involved than just straight-out money."
The clinic is located next to the Longford Racecourse and has cared for some of the biggest horse names in Tasmanian racing, including The Cleaner, Mystic Journey and Geegees Blackflash.
The vet shortage in northern Tasmania is part of a staffing crisis affecting many regional and rural areas across the country.
Australian Veterinary Association president Bronwyn Orr is optimistic about the payment.
"I certainly don't think it's going to hurt the chances of attracting a vet and I think it's a fantastic initiative," she said.
"It's good to see industry supporting the local members and recognising the importance of equine veterinarians."
Ms Orr is urging others to help solve the vet shortage problem.
"I'm a little disappointed that it's industry that's having to support attracting vets to the state rather than government, because we know that vets play such a critical role," she said.
"It's industry trying to help solve the problem, but this is just one small piece in a much larger puzzle."
