The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading the Casterton Racing Club to make the course safer and improve access for racegoers and staff for future meetings, as part of a joint funding package worth nearly $42,000.
The infrastructure upgrades will include regrading and resurfacing the entrance areas to the public dining room, general admission area and lower gate area as well as the areas around the administration building and jockey’s car park.
The existing tracks have become uneven and unsafe in poor conditions which makes these upgrades a top priority for the Casterton Racing Club.
The completed works will provide improved oncourse access and safety for all users of the tracks and also improve the overall aesthetics of the regional venue.
Racing Victoria is providing $10,500 towards the upgrades, while the Casterton Racing Club will provide a further $10,495 in funding.
The Labor Government has contributed $21,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the upgrades.
Since 2014, the Government has provided more than $77 million to Racing Victoria and its clubs to improve facilities, increase animal welfare and integrity initiatives, support breeding initiatives and support racing events across the state.
The racing industry in the Warrnambool and South West region generates more than $109 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 940 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Safety for staff and patrons is paramount at all racing venues across the state and these upgrades for the Casterton Racing Club will greatly improve safety at the track.”
“We’re investing in race days and infrastructure upgrades across Victoria and backing the dedicated men and women who work in our racing industry.”
Quote attributable to Casterton Racing Club Manager, John Donnelly
“We thank Minister Pakula and the Victorian Government for supporting our goal to improve the safety and infrastructure at Casterton Racecourse to ensure we can put on the best possible race days for our patrons and staff.”