- Published:
- Saturday 12 December 2015
Seven picnic racing clubs will share in $80,000 worth of new equipment and upgrades aimed at improving safety at country racecourses, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced the funding boost at the Healesville Picnic Races.
The upgrades will include enhanced veterinary facilities and a new ambulance track at Yea and a new crossing past the winning post at Drouin.
Balnarring and Dederang will receive adjustments to their racetrack running rails and posts and Mansfield will get a much needed replacement lawn mower to maintain its racetrack, lawns and car park.
The TAB facilities and InfoVision vans at Alexandra, Healesville and Yea will also get a refresh with new logos and branding.
The government will contribute $40,000 through its Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF), with Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria providing $20,000.
The clubs, including Healesville Amateur Racing Club, Alexandra Race Club, Drouin Picnic Racing Club, Balnarring Picnic Racing Club, Dederang Picnic Racing Club, Mansfield District Racing Club, Yea Racing Club and St Pat’s Racing Club Yea, are collectively contributing $20,000.
Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full-time jobs.
The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry and allows the three racing codes, racing clubs and other key stakeholders to have a say in growing Victorian racing.
It funds projects and initiatives at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the racing experience for racegoers.
Quotes attributable to Attorney General Martin Pakula
“Picnic racing is a major attraction in regional Victoria, drawing tourists to the regions and bringing communities together.”
“These upgrades will help support our picnic racing venues across the state to ensure their continued success well into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Country Racing Victoria CEO, Scott Whiteman
“Country Racing Victoria is delighted with the Minister’s support, which will enable these important picnic racing upgrades to go ahead.”
“The safety of jockeys, trainers and their handlers is vital to our industry. We thank the Victorian Government for making this investment in their continued wellbeing.”