The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading the Burrumbeet Park & Windermere Racing Club and helping welcome thousands of racegoers to the track on New Year’s Day 2019.
The Labor Government is providing more than $26,000 for irrigation and fencing upgrades and more than $17,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the 2019 Burrumbeet Cup on 1 January, as part of a joint funding package worth almost $91,000.
The track’s main aboveground irrigation will be replaced with an underground system, along with new tow lines and high-pressure flat hoses to improve watering of the track.
The irrigation upgrades will improve the track surface and grounds and reduce the yearly maintenance and water costs for the club, while the fencing upgrades will increase security and safety at the racecourse.
The work will commence in November and be completed in December, in time for the 2019 Burrumbeet Cup.
A free ‘Kids Zone’ will be a key race day attraction for families, with a monster truck slide, flying chair ride, jumping castle, rock climbing wall, animal farm, and musical performances by The Mik Maks.
Local sport and community organisations will have the chance to share in almost $5000 via the Community Bowl race draw, along with prizes for ‘Fashions on the Field’ and a foot race.
The club is providing more than $38,000 towards the infrastructure projects and the race day.
Country Racing Victoria is also contributing $7500 towards the race meeting, while local businesses are providing more than $1500 of in-kind support towards competition prizes and equipment.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed more than $227,000 to support seven infrastructure projects and four race meetings at Burrumbeet.
The racing industry in the Central Highlands generates more than $96 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 950 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
As noted by Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
"The annual New Year’s Day race meeting at Burrumbeet brings the community together every year to celebrate the festive season and a great day of racing."
"The Government is upgrading infrastructure at country racing venues across Victoria to ensure the industry remains a major employer and driver of tourism for regional cities and towns."
As noted by Burrumbeet Park & Windermere Racing Club Vice President Steve Biggin
"We’re thrilled to receive this support from the Victorian Government to upgrade our irrigation and perimeter fencing and ensure the success of the 2019 Burrumbeet Cup."
"We look forward to welcoming thousands of racegoers, families and holidaymakers to bring in the New Year at Burrumbeet Racecourse with plenty of entertainment on and off the track."
