Monday 29th October 2018
Grassroots country racing clubs will get a fairer share of industry funding under an elected Liberal Nationals Government.
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said that Kerang and Gunbower were among more than 20 thoroughbred racing clubs in country communities to miss out under Labor’s fund for Victoria’s racing industry.
Mr Walsh said unlike city-centric Labor the Liberal Nationals will ensure all country clubs get their fair share of the $33 million fund to be provided over two years.
“The Liberal Nationals understand the value of racing to country areas in terms of the jobs it generations and the value it adds to our communities.
“Our plan to give country racing clubs their fair share will help boost prize money at local races and attract more trainers and owners to races in Regional Victoria.”
A Liberal Nationals Government will also investigate a country innovation fund to better promote country racing working with industry representatives to develop it.
Shadow Minister for Racing Tim Bull said when country racing is strong Victoria’s racing industry is strong.
“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” Mr Bull said.
“An elected Liberal Nationals Government will invest in country racing because we know country racing supports country jobs.”