Victorian Premier Claims Greyhound Racing In Victoria Is Powering Ahead
The Victorian greyhound racing industry continues to be a world leader with strong returns in wagering, investment in infrastructure, record levels of prizemoney and an unprecedented focus on animal welfare.
Premier and Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said the Greyhound Racing Victoria's (GRV) Annual Report for 2012/2013 was tabled in State Parliament this week highlighting a strong year both on and off the track.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is a strong supporter of greyhound racing and it's great to see the sport thriving,” Dr Napthine said.
“Greyhound racing is enjoying a tremendous resurgence with more people than ever discovering its appeal, including some of the biggest modern day crowds at feature race meetings in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“The greyhound racing industry is also a major contributor to the Victorian economy providing more than more than $200 million in annual economic benefits and 2,000 jobs across the state,” Dr Napthine said.
The GRV Annual Report highlights a number of significant achievements during 2012-13 including:
- opening of the $3.2 million Coalition Government/GRV funded redeveloped track and patron facilities at Morshead Park, Ballarat;
- an additional $2.66 million over the next three years for animal welfare measures. This includes an additional $1.035 million for the successful Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) and adds to the Coalition Government's $1 million four-year commitment to GAP;
- a 24.3 per cent increase in prize money and bonuses to a record $37.8 million;
- on track attendance increasing by 11.3 per cent; and
- the introduction of the first ever Ready to Race Sale held at Lords Raceway, Bendigo on 24 November 2012
GRV has indicated, following its positive financial returns, that $9 million will be added to its Infrastructure Reserve Fund.
This will allow for infrastructure upgrades to be brought forward with assistance from the Coalition Government's Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
Dr Napthine said GRV and industry participants should be particularly congratulated for the their ongoing commitment to the broader community.
“The support for people with a disability through the Great Chase Series and for breast cancer research and the McGrath Foundation through the annual ‘Go the Pink Dog' campaign is terrific,” Dr Napthine said.
Makes you wish you lived in Victoria.
money falling of the trees helps
Makes you wish you lived in Victoria.
money falling of the trees helps