VICTORIA'S picnic racing clubs are the big winners following a $50,000 Victorian Coalition Government grant for projects to improve racetracks and public facilities across 10 picnic racecourses.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine travelled to Balnarring Picnic Racing Club today, one of the major funding recipients, to announce the first round of grants for Victoria's picnic racing clubs.
Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government strongly supported picnic racing as a terrific community event, which also contributed significantly to the local economy.
"Through the Coalition Government's new Victorian Racing Industry Fund we have established a program specifically designed to support picnic racing clubs," Dr Napthine said.
"Picnic racing clubs rely heavily on the dedication and hard work of volunteers so this fund will be a welcome boost to help upgrade infrastructure and patron facilities.
"In many cases, providing improved infrastructure at picnic racecourses has the additional benefit of assisting other community organisations who also utilise the track facilities.
"The picnic racing clubs to benefit from today's announcement include Alexandra, Balnarring, Buchan & Gelantipy, Dederang, Mansfield, Merton, Omeo, Tambo Valley, Woolomai and Yea."
Member for Hastings Neale Burgess said the Coalition Government was committing $14,000 to the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club, for a project worth $58,480, with the club and racing industry contributing the balance.
"The funding for the Balnarring Racecourse reserve will be used to build a new toilet block, including facilities for people with disabilities," Mr Burgess said.
"This will help ensure racecourse users, spectators and families have clean, safe and comfortable amenities during the club's six race meetings each season, as well as during community and pony club events and racing trials."
Dr Napthine said other important projects to be funded around Victoria included upgrades for racecourse signage, kitchen facilities and the refurbishment of a judge's tower.
"The Coalition Government has also committed funding for occupational health and safety initiatives, including underground services, spectator safety, improved barrier padding, electrical safety and replacement or upgrading of ageing infrastructure," Dr Napthine said.
Chief Executive Officer of Country Racing Victoria (CRV) Scott Whiteman said CRV was delighted with the picnic racing infrastructure announcement from the Victorian Coalition Government.
"This is yet another indication of the government's long term commitment to picnic racing. These funds will ensure much needed projects are completed for the benefit of customers attending the picnic races and also industry participant groups at a number of courses," Mr Whiteman said.
"Picnic racing is the back bone of many local communities and many groups within the community rely heavily on picnic racing to raise funds for local services."
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