News

Country race clubs will be winners under Liberal Nationals

Tuesday 30 October 2018

Grassroots country racing clubs will get a fairer share of industry funding under an elected Liberal Nationals Government, Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said.

“More than 20 thoroughbred racing clubs in country Victoria will miss out under Labor’s fund, which made no provision for them under their allocation structure,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Unlike city-centric Labor, the Liberal Nationals will ensure country clubs get their fair share of funds, boosting prize money at local races, attracting more trainers and owners to races in regional Victoria.”

Mr McCurdy said the Liberal Nationals will provide $33 million over two years for racing in Victoria which will be distributed more evenly across the state, ensuring every club benefits.

“Thoroughbred racing in Victoria boosts our state’s economy, contributing $3.2 billion and supporting more than 25,000 jobs,” he said.

“The Wangaratta Turf Club is a significant contributor to the local economy and deserves continued support.

“It provides a training base for more than 600 horses a year and provides jobs for more than 450 people which contributes $35 million to the regional economy annually.”

Shadow Minister for Racing Tim Bull said when country racing is strong, Victoria’s racing industry is strong.

“Grassroots racing clubs drive local economies and are where many of our industry leaders cut their teeth,” Mr Bull said.

“City-centric Labor seems to believe the best gauge of the health of the industry is the size of metro prize pools, when in reality we need to make sure all clubs across the state thrive.

“We’re also keen to investigate a country innovation fund to better promote country racing and will sit down with industry representatives to see how this could best work.

“An elected Liberal Nationals Government will invest in country racing because we know country racing supports country jobs.”