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.

Further information on Victorian Racing Industry Fund is available at vic.gov.au/victorian-racing-grant-programs and for more details about the Regional Customer Facilities grant program visit vic.gov.au/regional-customer-facilities-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines

“We know the importance of maintaining racing, training and community infrastructure for racing clubs across the state – we’re pleased to help these three clubs with these essential upgrades to ensure the region thrives.”

“These investments will make sure that Ballarat and Burrumbeet continues to attract some of the best trainers in the state and will ensure our participants, as well as racegoers, have access to state-of-the-art facilities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The racing industry plays a vital role in our state’s economy, especially in rural and regional Victoria, and the Victorian Government’s investment helps make sure racing in Ballarat has a very bright future.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Racing is an important contributor to the local economy in Ballarat and these investments will ensure the highest standards of animal and participant welfare are maintained at our key racing venues”.

Quote attributable to Racing Victoria Acting CEO Aaron Morrison

“Ongoing investment in Victoria’s racing and training infrastructure is important and we thank the Victorian Government for their shared vision.”

Quote attributable to Greyhound Racing Victoria Chair Peita Duncan

“Greyhound Racing Victoria thanks the Victorian Government for its significant investment towards this key upgrade that will also be a major boost to the region’s economy with local businesses and trades commissioned to work on the project throughout.”