Country race clubs will receive funding to improve racetrack facilities with modern amenities so they can continue to deliver the best day out for racegoers - all part of the Allan Labor Government's ongoing delivery of better sporting infrastructure for regional Victoria.
The Regional Customer Facilities Program will deliver more than $973,000 in grants for country race clubs, with clubs able to apply for up to $100,000 towards any project that will improve the standard of public race facilities, enhance accessibility and encourage community use.
Projects may include new or refurbished function room and toilets as well as enhanced outdoor areas with dedicated family spaces, marquees, pergolas and decking.
So far, the Labor Government has awarded project funding to 14 race clubs as part of the first round of the grants program.
Recipients include the Latrobe Valley Racing Club, which will receive $42,000 to replace the venue's 30-year-old wheelchair lift, improving accessibility for people with disabilities and older Victorians.
The grant will also fund upgrades to the racecourse's main bar and owners' room, providing a better experience for patrons.
The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club will also receive $83,000 for a safe play area for children and an additional outdoor deck to provide people with reduced mobility better access to the grandstand.
The improvements will allow an extra 20 community organisations to use the facilities each year, catering for more public functions while also increasing capacity for race day patrons.
The Gunbower Racing Club will receive $23,986 to install a kitchen and appliances. The new kitchen will improve customer access to food on race days and provide much sought after community facilities for the Gunbower community.
Further information about the program is available at vic.gov.au/regional-customer-facilities-program.
As stated by Acting Minister for Racing Enver Erdogan
"We want to develop facilities that support participation and inclusion of the broader community in regional racing clubs - it's about bringing communities together and boosting local economic activity."
"These grants will give regional communities and racegoers access to top notch facilities that go beyond race days and can be used for cultural events and community celebrations."
"The racing industry in regional Victoria generates $1.17 billion for the Victorian economy and helps support 9,000 full time equivalent jobs in the regions."
