- Grant funding to support Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club for 2025 season
- Cook Labor Government ensuring racing goes ahead in Kalgoorlie for 2025
The Cook Labor Government will provide emergency funding to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club (KBRC) to save the 2025 race season in the Goldfields.
An ongoing water pricing dispute between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club has jeopardised the 2025 race season in Kalgoorlie.
While the issue is not directly related to the State Government, the Cook Labor Government has intervened to ensure the race round can continue this year.
The State will provide a grant of up to $261,000 to the KBRC to cover additional water costs for the 2025 race season, allowing more time for the Club and the City to resolve the dispute.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Country races are such an important part of living the regions, and they help to support our regional economies.
"My WA Labor Government is stepping in to fix this issue and make sure the races run this year.
"I want to thank Ali Kent for her strong advocacy to save the Kalgoorlie races, and for her commitment to always doing what's right for her local community."
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"This is a win for the Kalgoorlie community, and it is a win for our racing industry.
"Regional racing helps sustain local jobs, drive tourism and strengthen the local economy.
"And this gives all players the next 12 months to sort this matter out and secure the future of racing in the Goldfields."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"The racing industry is incredibly important to the Goldfields. Not only is it an important part of our local economy, it's an important part of our history, which is why I'm very proud to have delivered this outcome for our community.
"This means racing can go ahead in 2025, and gives the race club and the council time to work this out ahead of the 2026 season. I've been working hard with both the club and the council on this issue and will continue to do so until a long term resolution is agreed.
"This is what WA Labor Governments do - listen to communities, find solutions and get things done in the regions."
