New Heating For Ballarat, New Windows For Warrnambool & New Lights For Horsham
Thirteen racing clubs in Victoria's west and south west will share in $112,900 funding for racing as part of the Brumby Labor Government's Living Country Racing Program, Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls announced today.
Visiting Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club today, Mr Hulls said the funding would help the 13 racing clubs improve their racing facilities for use by their broader local communities.
“Racing clubs in western and south western Victoria play a pivotal role in local communities, fostering a strong sense of community spirit, while also helping to drive the local economy,” Mr Hulls said.
“Here at the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club, the Government has committed $10,800 to install a new heating system in the betting ring, which will take the edge off those cold winter race meets and provide additional comfort for other groups who use the area.”
Mr Hulls said the Government's $400,000 Living Country Racing Program funded projects that benefit racing participants, spectators, tourists and local communities, especially at smaller racing venues with limited access to racing industry funds.
He said clubs in Ararat, Burrumbeet, Colac, Dunkeld, Hamilton, Horsham, Maryborough, Mortlake, Stawell, Terang and Warrnambool were receiving grants and were required to match the funding with their own contribution.
Mr Hulls said the new funds would assist the racing clubs to fulfil their racing responsibilities and play a major role in supporting the local community groups who use the racing clubs' facilities on non-race days.
“Since the launch of the program in 2001, the Brumby Labor Government has provided more than $4.5 million worth of funding to country racing clubs across Victoria,” he said.
“Victoria's western and south-western districts draw strength from their local community groups and these projects will help country racing clubs provide comfortable amenities for such groups and maintain their outstanding reputation for putting on fun, family-friendly events.”
Mr Hulls said Dunkeld Racing Club would receive a $15,600 grant to install new shade sails in the bookmakers ring and the fashions on the field area, used by community groups to host an annual fundraiser.
He said Maryborough Harness Racing Club would receive $5,300 to lay carpet in the betting area to improve the comfort of punters and community groups.
“All these projects are further evidence of the Brumby Labor Government's commitment to racing in regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Hulls said.
Full Funding Details
- Ararat Harness Racing Club Seal roadway entrance $12,500
- Ballarat and District Trotting Club Renovate drivers rooms $10,300
- Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club Install heating $10,800
- Colac Turf Club Install heating and cooling $8,800
- Dunkeld Racing Club Shade sails $15,600
- Hamilton Racing Club Upgrade footpaths $9,000
- Horsham Greyhound Racing Club Lighting around racecourse $2,000
- Maryborough Harness Racing Club Carpet replacement $5,300
- Mortlake Racing Club Purchase LCD screens $2,300
- Stawell Harness Racing Club Landscaping at entrance $8,300
- Terang and District Racing Club Outdoor dining area $5,000
Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club Replace windows $15,000
Total $112,900