Victorian Racing Industry Delivers Huge Boost To Economy

The state’s racing industry contributes $4.7 billion to the Victorian economy annually and supports almost 35,000 jobs.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines welcomed the key findings from the Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report.

In total, the racing industry supports 34,900 full-time jobs – growth of almost 30 per cent since 2011-12.

The racing industry is crucial to regional Victoria – with more than half of the economic activity created outside Melbourne. Regional towns like Mildura rely upon race meetings all year round, with events like the Mildura Cup Carnival being attended by thousands, boosting the economy, adding jobs and increasing tourism to the region.

The study also revealed the importance of racing clubs to local communities as venues. Eighty percent of clubs hire out their facilities for private or corporate use, such as weddings, birthdays, expos or conferences.

The clubs share their facilities with more than 650 community or not-for-profit organisations. Racing clubs also support more than 1200 charities, with donations totaling more than $3.4 million.

The study was based on data from the three racing codes – Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria, and Greyhound Racing Victoria. The report is available at racingvictoria.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines

“This report shows how vital the racing industry is to our economy – particularly in regional Victoria.”

“Racing clubs are at the heart of local communities because they bring people together to enjoy a day of racing and attract visitors to all parts of the state.”

Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria Chairman Brian Kruger

“The release of the latest Size and Scope Report confirms that the racing industry continues to play a crucial role to the state’s economy with impacts extending well beyond those seen at the racetrack.

“The lifeblood of racing is our people, and we are proud that close to 150,000 people are involved in and supported by the industry with racing continuing to be a major employer in Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Greyhound Racing Victoria Chair Peita Duncan

“As an industry we are proud of our contribution to, and engagement with, the many communities and businesses we support. Through our participants and clubs, the greyhound industry delivers direct economic benefits, and is also an integral part of the local communities contributing to social causes, grassroots sports and service clubs.”

Quote attributable to Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Dale Monteith

“Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is immensely proud of the contribution it makes as part of the Victorian Racing Industry to the state’s economy and, more broadly, within the regional communities in which we race.”

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