Grassroots country racing clubs will get a fairer share of industry funding under an elected Liberal Nationals Government.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The clubs to miss out under Labor include:
• Alexandra     • Kerang     • St Arnaud
• Balnarring     • Manangatang     • Swift’s Creek
• Buchan     • Mansfield     • Towong
• Burrumbeet     • Merton    • Woolamai
• Dederang     • Mortlake     • Wycheproof
• Drouin     • Nhill     • Yea
• Gunbower     • Omeo     • St Pat’s Yea
• Healesville    • Penshurst 

 

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

 

The Andrews Labor Government has announced plans to force trainers at Caulfield to relocate to Cranbourne and Pakenham – without consulting trainers at the venue.

 

Unlike Labor, a Liberal Nationals Government will sit down with trainers, clubs and industry representatives to work out where they want to go and how we can best facilitate it.

 

Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Racing Tim Bull

 

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.

 

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.