- Published:
- Sunday 4 March 2018
The Andrews Labor Government today unveiled the new racecourse entrance and one of two 18-box stable blocks recently completed as part of a major upgrade at the Wangaratta Turf Club.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today attended the Wangaratta Cup Day, 4 March, to inspect the progress of the Wangaratta Master Plan Stage Two Development project.
The Labor Government is providing $1.9 million towards the stage two upgrades, including $1.5 million from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and $400,000 from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
The upgrades, which were used for the first time today, include the new $1 million racecourse entrance which will improve the experience for racegoers, and the new 18-box stable blocks which will benefit both trainers and horses.
In addition to the upgrades, the Wangaratta Turf Club is one of 21 country racing clubs which will benefit from a $630,000 project for new turf restoration equipment.
The Labor Government and Racing Victoria, in association with Country Racing Victoria, will both provide $315,000 each for the purchase of specialist machinery to ensure the turf at country racing tracks is kept in top condition, improving safety for jockeys, staff and horses.
Verti drains to aerate and soften the subsoil and a vacuum-scarifier to breakdown any debris will be key pieces in the equipment package, which also includes tractors, a seeder, and a prime mover truck.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed almost $3 million for nine infrastructure projects and nine thoroughbred racing events at Wangaratta Racecourse.
The racing industry in the Ovens-Murray region generates more than $39 million for the economy every year, and helps sustain more than 380 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to be supporting the Wangaratta Turf Club because it helps to create local jobs, attracts tourists to the region and provides economic benefits to the community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“These new facilities at Wangaratta will improve the race day experience for patrons and cement Wangaratta’s place as one of the state’s premier country racecourses and training facilities.”
Quote attributable to Wangaratta Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Paul Hoysted
“The club would like to thank the Victorian Government for its generous support for this raft of important projects. The Ovens-Murray region will benefit from this massive redevelopment of Wangaratta Racecourse for decades.”
Quote attributable to RV Executive General Manager Infrastructure and Club Support Jamie McGuinness
“Racing Victoria welcomes this important funding announcement made by the Andrews Labor Government today that will deliver essential infrastructure and maintenance support for Victoria’s country race tracks.”