Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced a $2.4 million funding package to support five major country racing campaigns at the Country Racing Victoria Awards held in Ballarat tonight.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $915,000, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with Country Racing Victoria contributing nearly $1.5 million.
The campaign will target 188 feature and weekend race meetings over the next 12 months, with five distinct themes including Spring, Christmas, Kid’s Summer of Country Racing, Relax at the Country Racing, and Easter.
The country racing program will build on the success of last year’s It’s Got It All campaign which attracted more than 320,000 patrons to regional racetracks.
The 2016–17 campaign will again showcase country racing and the wide range of attractions on offer in regional Victoria.
Since 2014, the Government has allocated almost $17 million for more than 90 infrastructure projects at country racing and training venues.
The thoroughbred racing industry generates more $618 million for the Victorian economy in regional and rural areas and helps sustain more than 6000 full-time jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting country racing which is a major employer and drawcard for regional Victoria.”
“We will continue to work with the industry to ensure its ongoing success and I’m sure the racing program will be well supported by locals and visitors.”
Quotes attributable to Country Racing Victoria CEO Scott Whiteman
“We thank the Victorian Government for its generous contribution, which will enable us to build on last year’s launch of the very popular It’s Got It All campaign.”
“Our focus now is to deliver a broad advertising and marketing campaign across the state to showcase country racing and everything regional Victoria has to offer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020