- Published:
- Thursday 11 August 2022
Moonee Valley Racing Club is set to install new and improved starting gates, thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today announced more than $122,000 from the Labor Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund for the safety upgrade, with the club matching the contribution.
The current starting gates are more than 25 years old and the new gates will meet best practice industry standards, improving reliability and increasing safety for participants and horses.
Funding will also be used for remedial works on the old starting gates so they can be used as a back-up if needed.
The project will create 12 new jobs during construction, with installation expected to be finished by October.
Since its first race meeting in spring in 1883, Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed a rich and vibrant history at the forefront of Australian thoroughbred racing, highlighted by the annual W.S Cox Plate, Australasia’s Weight-for-Age Championship.
Since December 2014, the Government has invested more than $1.64 million to support racing infrastructure projects at Moonee Valley Racing Club.
The thoroughbred racing industry in inner Melbourne generates $1.86 billion for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 13,500 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
“Our investment in the Moonee Valley Racing Club will help ensure race day operates smoothly and provide officials, jockeys and horses with a modern and safe environment.”
“The health and safety of race day officials, and animal welfare is and always will be a priority.”
Quote attributable to Moonee Valley Racing Club Chair Don Casboult
“This is a much-needed project that ensures that Moonee Valley Racing Club has modern facilities to support the ongoing conduct of race meetings at the venue. We thank the Victorian Government for its support.”