Thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government, visitors are set to benefit from new facilities at Stony Creek Racecourse that will enhance race days and local events.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visited the Stony Creek Racing Club to announce funding for a major upgrade to customer facilities and outdoor dining area.
The refurbishment will include upgrades to the public bar, the TAB area which will include a new customer service hub, the race day office as well as a new alfresco deck and shade sail outside.
Construction on the customer service hub and race day office has begun and is expected to be completed next month, while other works are expected to start later this year.
The Labor Government has tipped in $100,000 towards the refurbishment as part of its Regional Customer Facilities Program grant, with the club also providing more than $128,000.
This announcement follows the clubs recent unveiling of a new automated irrigation system at the racecourse which the Labor Government contributed $319,000 towards.
Completed in April this year, the new system enables consistent watering across the track while reducing the risk of leaks, overwatering and pooling.
The watering system will be of immense benefit to trainers and jockeys, improving the track condition for the club's five annual race meetings and up to four official trials and jump out meetings.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $840,00 to support six racing events and 12 infrastructure projects at the Stony Creek Racecourse.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"These upgrades to Stony Creek Racecourse reflect our commitment to ensuring regional racing clubs get the support they deserve. I look forward to seeing how these new upgrades benefit the club now and into the future"
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria for Tom McIntosh
"The thoroughbred racing industry in the Latrobe-Gippsland region generates more than $89 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 700 full-time equivalent jobs in the region."
As stated by Stony Creek Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Jason Benbow
"We would like to thank the Victorian Government for awarding our club with significant grants to help improve our racecourse and customer facilities."
