Two Western Victorian Racing Clubs will benefit from new infrastructure that will help boost the local econony, aid local trainers, support racegoers and protect animal welfare.
Minister for Racing, Anthony Carbines, announced this week that Ballarat and Burrumbeet racecourses will receive significant funding for infratructure projects thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
The new training track at Ballarat, which was unveiled on Wednesday, will allow more trainers and horses to be based at the Club, taking capacity from 400 horses to 650 over the last six years. The Government provided more than $1.3 million from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the project.
The reconstructed grass training track has improved the previously narrow design and poor drainage, which regularly resulted in the track being closed for training.
Burrumbeet Racecourse has also secured new funding from the Government's Regional Customer Facilities Grant to install large shade sails at the track, encouraging year-round use.
The sails will cover the family play area and mounting yard, protecting racegoers from the elements at the Club's annual New Year’s Day meeting - one of the largest events in the region.
Minister for Racing, Anthony Carbines, said: “We know the importance of maintaining racing, training and community infrastructure for racing clubs across the state – we’re pleased to help these three clubs with these essential upgrades to ensure the region thrives.”
“These investments will make sure that Ballarat and Burrumbeet continues to attract some of the best trainers in the state and will ensure our participants, as well as racegoers, have access to state-of-the-art facilities.”
Racing Victoria’s Interim CEO, Aaron Morrison, said: “Ongoing investment in Victoria's racing and training infrastructure is important and we thank the Victorian Government for their shared vision,” he said.
The racing industry in the Ballarat region generates $89.1 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain almost 700 full-time equivalent jobs in the area.
Since 2014, the Government has provided more than $10.2 million to support 52 racing events and 30 infrastructure projects in Victoria.