Mornington Racecourse will receive a $4.6 million boost under a Brumby Labor Government and Victorian racing industry funding partnership, Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls announced today.
Mr Hulls said the Mornington Racing Club would benefit from four projects earmarked as part of a range of projects across the state under the $86 million Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund (RRIF).
The largest project is a $4.2 million treated water pipeline connecting the Mornington racecourse to the Eastern Outfall, which will provide on-site storages, pumps and other works to droughtproof the racecourse.
“An upgrade of the sand track and new practice starting gates will mean better and safer opportunities to train and race for the horses.”
“This project will droughtproof the venue as well as providing benefits beyond the boundary of the racecourse to local parks, Dallas Brooks Park and Civic Reserve recreation centres,” Mr Hulls said.
He said this project was a fine example of strong partnerships between the Brumby Labor Government, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Racing Victoria Limited, Country Racing Victoria and South East Water, which were sharing the cost. The Brumby Labor Government is contributing more than $700,000 for the four projects through RRIF.
Mr Hulls said another three projects – including a sand track upgrade, new barrier gates and replacement of a retaining wall – would also improve the facilities at the Mornington racecourse.
“Mornington is the third busiest training centre in Victoria – an average of 100 thoroughbreds use the training facility each day – making the sand training track and training barriers vitally important,” Mr Hulls said.
“An upgrade of the sand track and new practice starting gates will mean better and safer opportunities to train and race for the horses, track riders and staff who rely on this facility.”
Mr Hulls said the replacement and relocation of a retaining wall at the 1600 chute would also improve safety measures at the track and increase the field capacity for races to be run over the classic 1600 distance.
The Brumby Labor Government has committed $45 million to support major infrastructure and capital improvements at regional and rural racing and training venues, with the Victorian racing industry contributing $41 million. The fund represents the biggest State Government investment in rural and regional racing venues in Victoria’s history
Racing Victoria Limited Chairman Michael Duffy said Mornington had a strong racing industry and recognised the vital role played by local clubs in supporting communities both socially and economically.
“The funding decision is a tremendous result for Mornington Racecourse and kickstarts some of the vital projects that were identified in the Victorian Racecourse and Training Facilities Plan recently released by Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria,” Mr Duffy said