Wimmera racegoers and visitors will have even more reasons to visit their local track thanks to an infrastructure funding boost of more than $660,000 from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visted the Ararat Turf Club, Donald and District Racing Club and St Arnaud Turf Club who are all receiving upgrades to deliver high-quality racing events all year round in the region.
More than $315,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) has gone into upgrading Ararat's irrigation system, with Racing Victoria and the club contributing more than $157,000 each for the new system.
An additional $36,000 has been provided to help install four new permanent shade umbrellas at Ararat, with the club matching the Government's contribution. Ararat holds up to seven race meets a year and conducts five official trials and jump-outs meetings per season.
The Labor Government has invested more than $310,000 to upgrade the irrigation system at Donald, with Racing Victoria and the club contributing more than $155,000 each towards the project.
The new irrigation system is already helping the club manage its watering programs, improving overall track consistency ahead of race and trial meetings.
It will help save money on labour, water and additional wear and tear to the tracks, while minimising water lost to evaporation. The club holds race meets up to six times a year and conducts up to six official trials and jump-outs per year.
St Arnaud received $125,000 through the VRIF to support upgrades to the club's race day administration building and jockey rooms, with Racing Victoria and the club providing $62,500 each towards the project.
The upgrades will include a new portable building for a female jockey room providing better facilities for the growing number of female riders.
St Arnaud's dining room and kitchen recently received an upgrade, thanks to a $19,000 contribution from the VRIF as well as more than $19,000 each from Racing Victoria and the club. The club races once a year on Cox Plate Day and conducts up to four official trials and jump-outs meetings per year.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $740,000 to Ararat, $528,000 to Donald and more than $240,000 to St Arnaud to support new infrastructure builds at each club.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"It's great to visit the region and see all the improvements at our Wimmera race clubs which contribute so much to their communities."
"The regional racing industry plays a vital role in Victoria's economy - generating $1.17 billion and helping sustain more than 9,000 jobs. We'll always back them in."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"Regional racetracks are much-loved by our communities, and they support hundreds of local jobs too. That's why we'll keep backing them to put on great events year-round."
