New Family-Friendly Facilities Unveiled At Geelong Gold Cup By Vic Minister For Racing
The Beckley Greyhound Centre's latest additions were unveiled tonight at the Veolia Geelong Gold Cup with Minister for Racing Denis Napthine officially opening the facility's new outdoor deck and children's playground.
“Tonight is another important step in the continued evolution of Geelong Greyhound Racing Club's Beckley Centre into a great venue to experience quality greyhound racing in a family friendly atmosphere,” Dr Napthine said.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is pleased to have provided funding for this $144,000 project with the Geelong community to benefit from these additions, which complement the Beckley Centre's multi-million dollar grandstand and world-class dual-track racing system.
“The viewing deck is a fantastic place to see the greyhounds parade before the race and to also watch them scorch around the track, while the children's playground is now a centre point for young families having a day at the races and is located between the greyhound and harness tracks to help unify both venues,” Dr Napthine said.
Greyhound Racing Victoria's Chairman Peter Caillard said The Beckley Centre's new decking and family area were some of the many examples of Victorian greyhound racing improving infrastructure and facilities at all of its racetracks.
“Thanks largely to government support, these new facilities are an ideal fit for our family-friendly sport,” Mr Caillard said.
“It is fitting that we officially unleash this latest upgrade at tonight's running of the 2011 Group 2 Veolia Geelong Cup, a tremendous series with a huge first prize of $40,000. This is the first Geelong Cup to be held at the Beckley Centre's new $8 million redeveloped double greyhound racetrack, making it arguably the biggest and best race to ever be held in the Geelong region.”
Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government would provide $79.5 million over the next four years to the Victorian racing industry for a range of industry development initiatives.
“The Coalition Government provides funding for all three racing codes through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund by returning unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry. We are committed to growing and enhancing the racing industry and support the vital contribution it makes to providing jobs and economic benefits for Victoria,” Dr Napthine said.