Enhancement of facilities at greyhound racing clubs in rural Victoria
The Victorian Allan Labor Government has announced a boost in funding for race clubs in Victoria to upgrade their racetrack facilities.
The Regional Customer Facilities Program will allocate grants totalling over $973,000, allowing individual clubs to seek up to $100,000.
This funding is intended to elevate the quality of public race facilities improve accessibility and promote community engagement.
Projects eligible for support include the construction or renovation of function rooms, bathrooms and outdoor spaces such as family areas, marquees, pergolas and decking.
In the first phase of the grant initiative, 14 race clubs have already secured funding for their projects.
The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club is set to receive $83,000 towards creating a play zone for children and adding a deck that will facilitate easier access to the grandstand for those with mobility challenges.
The clubs' enhancements are set to allow for the hosting of 20 community organisations each year, further solidifying their position as a gathering place within the Geelong community.
Enver Erdogan, the Acting Minister for Racing, emphasised the significance of these facility improvements in promoting community involvement and economic growth.
He expressed the importance of creating facilities that encourage community participation in racing clubs, emphasising unity, and boosting local economic activities.
With the racing industry contributing $1.17 billion to Victoria's economy and supporting around 9,000 full time jobs in rural areas, government investments in racetrack facilities aim to strengthen impact and improve the overall racing experience for participants and spectators alike.