Minister for Racing Martin Pakula has announced almost $2 million in Andrews Labor Government funding to help transform Wangaratta Turf Club into one of the state’s premier racing venues.
Mr Pakula joined Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today to unveil the plans for Stage 2 of the major project.
The multi-million dollar upgrade will include a new racecourse entrance, new stable blocks, a multi-use function centre in the racecourse’s grandstand and on-site accommodation for students attending the National Centre for Equine Education.
The government is contributing $1.9 million to the revamp with $1.5 million from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and $400,000 from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Funding for the project will be contingent upon a successful application to the Commonwealth Government for funding from the Stronger Regions Fund.
Wangaratta Turf Club ($820,000), Racing Victoria and the Rural City Wangaratta (both $300,000) are also investing in the project. The redevelopment will turn Wangaratta Turf Club into a centre of excellence that provides flow-on benefits to other racing clubs in the region.
Stage 1 of the development – for which the government allocated $1.3 million out of a total of $2.6 million – saw a new equine swimming pool built, as well as significant upgrades to track irrigation and the tie-up stalls.
The racing industry in the Ovens-Murray region, which takes in Wangaratta, generates more than $39 million in economic activity and sustains almost 350 full-time jobs.
Racing across regional Victoria generates more than $937 million for the Victorian economy and employs more than 9250 people full-time.
Quotes attributable to Racing Minister Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be supporting these upgrades with joint contributions from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This major redevelopment will turn the Wangaratta Turf Club into one of the state’s premier racing venues with facilities the entire region will benefit from.”
Quotes attributable to Wangaratta Turf Club Chief Executive, Paul Hoysted
“Wangaratta Turf Club welcomes this $1.9 million contribution from the Victorian Government, which will allow the project to be completed and lead to sustainable employment and a skilled work force to grow the industry within the region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020