Racegoers attending the 2017 Melbourne Cup Carnival will have access to upgraded public facilities thanks to a $460,000 funding package supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
Launching the carnival at Flemington Racecourse today, Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced the Labor Government is providing more than $231,000 through the Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund. The Victoria Racing Club will match the contribution.
The funding will be used to renovate the parents’ room, upgrade the audio in public areas, improve disability access of public toilets, and widen River Road to prevent bottlenecks and improve safety.
More than 300,000 racegoers are expected to flock to Flemington across the carnival’s four days of racing, including Derby Day on 4 November, Melbourne Cup Day on 7 November, Oaks Day on 9 November and Stakes Day on 11 November.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival generated $427.1 million in economic activity and employed almost 20,000 staff and contractors throughout the event. Visitors spent $38.3 million on accommodation, while more than $44.3 million was splashed on retail and fashion.
The upgraded facilities will help to meet the needs of the public and limit the impact of the works being done to build a new members grandstand. The Labor Government is providing $10 million to the Victoria Racing Club towards the new stand which is expected to be unveiled for the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $13.1 million in funding to the Victoria Racing Club to support three Raceday Attraction Program initiatives and 10 infrastructure projects.
The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to support the Melbourne Cup Carnival because it creates thousands of jobs, injects hundreds of millions into the economy and draws tourists from all over the world.”
“The upgrades to the public facilities will help limit the impact of the works being done on the new grandstand.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival showcases the best of racing and fashion, and puts Flemington on the world stage.”
Quotes attributable to Victoria Racing Club Interim CEO Neil Wilson
“We thank the Victorian Government for its ongoing support for the club and the iconic Flemington Racecourse.”
“This year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival promises to be bigger than ever, attracting visitors and spending from around Australia and beyond. We look forward to four fantastic days of racing.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020