Regional racing is a significant winner with the announcement of a $2.4 million grant
through the Coalition’s Building Better Regions Fund to the Wangaratta Turf
Club.
The Club is developing a $6.2 million dollar Stage 2 Development Upgrade which will
have significant benefits for regional growth for the equine industry, a boost
in local jobs and training to reduce a skills shortage in racing.
Senator McKenzie said the thoroughbred racing industry in this state generates nearly
$2.1 billion in value for the Victorian economy; it sustains the employment of
more than 19,600 full time equivalent jobs for Victorians and provides $1.1
billion per annum in household income.
She said the industry in Victoria engages close approximately 72,000 people as an
employee, volunteer or participant with almost 63% of these from regional
Victoria.
“This upgrade, supported by the Building Better Regions Fund grant, will improve regional racing across the board.”
The upgrade includes a new entrance to the facility, construction of 20 student
accommodation beds on site, new stables and the development of a multi-purpose
Grandstand, Function and Equine Learning Centre.
“People looking for work will also be beneficiaries with thirty-one full time jobs
created during construction with 122 full time positions by 2021-22.
“The student accommodation will allow students to live, learn and earn in the one
location while the Turf Club will provide scholarships to disadvantaged youth
within the local Wangaratta community to give them access to career pathways to
future jobs.
“There is currently a critical skill shortage in the racing industry and I applaud the
Wangaratta Turf Club for putting a pilot program together as part of an
education scheme to train more industry staff including track riders and stable
hands.
“I understand that the Club is also investigating education for international
students in the near future,” Senator McKenzie said.
It is expected because of this new work, 13,000 more people will attend the Wangaratta
Racecourse by 2021-22.
Senator McKenzie said $6.2 million will be spent during construction, the majority in
the local economy with an estimated $16.9 million increase in direct
expenditure by 2021-22 and a $55.8 million uplift in expenditure overt the next
five years.
“I have fought long and hard for this project, it is great for the Club and great
for young people and the wider Wangaratta community.
Wangaratta Turf Club CEO, Paul Hoysted said the grant will allow this significant upgrade
to occur for the benefit of the Wangaratta region and will allow the Turf Club
to become a major events facility for regional Victoria.
“I would particularly like to thank Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie for her
outstanding involvement and assistance with this project over the last 2 years
to get this project funded along with her National Party Colleagues.”
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said she created the Building Better
Regions Fund to help build strong communities for decades to come.
More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: www.business.gov.au/bbrf