- Published:
- Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced a funding boost of more than $117,000 to upgrade the Benalla racecourse.
To improve water supply to the racetrack, the Andrews Labor Government is providing more than $54,000 in infrastructure funding through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund. Both Racing Victoria and the Benalla Racing Club are contributing more than $27,000.
The club’s current water storage facilities are limited to two small dams – one located inside the racetrack and a small catchment dam outside the course.
The works will improve both dams, with the internal dam being cleaned out and landscaped to enhance water flow and catchment.
A new diesel pump will also be fitted to the exterior dam to enable water to be moved more quickly into the internal dam.
In recent years the club has found it difficult to access a reliable water supply to maintain its racing and training tracks, particularly during summer.
The improvements will increase the club’s water storage capacity from 15 to 40 megalitres. The project is due to be finished in the next few weeks.
The Government is also providing more than $4000 to upgrade the owners’ rooms at the racecourse. The club and Racing Victoria contributed more than $2000 each to the upgrade.
The race caller box will be improved with four new television screens to give race callers full vision of the tracks.
The racing industry in the Goulburn region generates more than $227 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 2240 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re pleased to support the Benalla Racing Club which delivers jobs and economic benefits to the community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This is an important project which will benefit both the Benalla Racing Club and the local community. It will help the club to keep its track in top shape so it remains a popular country racing destination all year round.”
Quote attributable to Benalla Racing Club General Manager Cameron Symes
“We have been struggling for some time to provide an adequate water supply for our racing and training tracks and these improvements will benefit everyone who uses our facilities.”