Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced a $112,000 upgrade for both thoroughbred and harness racing at Swan Hill Racecourse.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $58,000 to support the upgrades at the Swan Hill Jockey Club and Swan Hill Trotting Club, courtesy of the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
The works will see the owners’ rooms at the Swan Hill Jockey Club refurbished with the addition of a new electric servery window, heating and cooling system, and fresh plaster and paint. They will also include new eaves, guttering, external cladding and render, and are due to be completed next June.
The club is contributing more than $30,000 towards the refurbishment and Racing Victoria is providing $9000.
The Swan Hill Trotting Club will also benefit from funding with the construction of an innovative undercover shelter for its machinery equipment, including tractors, a truck and mobile starting gates.
A corrugated roof will be built across two existing shipping containers, acting as walls for a compound and providing a drive-through shelter for the club’s machinery. The containers will be used for additional storage.
The club will get a new water pump and a 22,500-litre rainwater tank to help the club maintain the track. The club and Harness Racing Victoria have contributed more than $14000 towards the project, which is due for completion early next year.
The racing industry in the Mallee region generates more than $58 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 570 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Swan Hill Racecourse is an important social hub and we’re proud to be investing in its future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Steve Herbert
“This racecourse is a popular entertainment precinct for the community and great tourist attraction for our region.”
Quotes attributable to Swan Hill Trotting Club Manager Marnya Watson
“We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Victorian Government and we are excited about getting a decent compound to protect our equipment from the weather, as well as a great rainwater storage facility.”
Quote attributable to Swan Hill Jockey Club CEO Aaron Garvie
“It’s important that we can provide owners with modern and comfortable facilities, and we thank the Victorian Government for this funding.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020