Racing clubs in Western Victoria will benefit from new infrastructure that will help boost local economies, benefit trainers and racegoers and protect animal welfare thanks to investment from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visited the Ballarat Racecourse, Burrumbeet Racecourse and The Ballarat Greyhounds at Morshead Park to announce the latest milestones across three racing infrastructure projects backed with almost $3 million from the Labor Government.
Unveiled today, the new training track at Ballarat Racecourse will allow more trainers and horses to be based at the club, taking capacity from 400 horses to 650 over the last 6 years.
The Government provided more than $1.3 million from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the project.
The reconstructed grass training track has improved the previously narrow design and poor drainage, which regularly resulted in the track being closed for training.
New funding from the Government's Regional Customer Facilities Grant program has been secured for Burrumbeet Racecourse to install large shade sails at the track, encouraging year-round use.
The sails will cover the family play area and mounting yard, protecting racegoers from the elements at the Club's annual New Year's day meeting – one of the largest events in the region.
The shaded areas will also provide a valuable asset to more groups wanting to use the racecourse for local celebrations and events all year round.
The Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club has constructed a new kennel building, which will improve the quality and safety of greyhound racing at Morshead Park.
The design provides more natural light and grass outdoor areas, and includes 112 kennels as well as new wash areas, private isolation kennels, a swab kennel bay and steward's room and storeroom.
The Government supported the kennel upgrade with more than $1.6 million provided through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
The racing industry in the Ballarat region generates $89.1 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain almost 700 full-time equivalent jobs in the area.
Since 2014, the Government has provided more than $10.2 million to support 52 racing events and 30 infrastructure projects in.