Hon Terry Waldron MLA,Hon Terry Redman MLA — Grants offer boost to racing clubs

Eight race clubs across Western Australia will share in $791,190 to help complete a range of important infrastructure works.

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said the funds had been allocated to the clubs through the latest round of the Racecourse Infrastructure Grants Program (RIGP), including matching funding provided through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program for works at regional race clubs.

“The latest round of the RIGP brings the total number of grants committed to more than $13million since the program began in 2011,” Mr Waldron said.

“This essential program ensures regional and metropolitan race clubs can complete both critical infrastructure works and works on patron facilities that will deliver significant benefits and revenue back to clubs.

“This round, clubs to benefit are:
• Golden Mile Trotting Club
• Narrogin Race and Pace
• Mount Barker Turf Club
• Northam Race Club
• Laverton Race Club
• Meekatharra Race Club
• Albany Racing Club
• Wanneroo Trotting Club.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the racing industry was an important contributor to the State’s economy.

“This kind of support ensures regional communities can continue to receive the economic and social benefits that are dependent on the improvements of infrastructure and facilities in local race clubs,” Mr Redman said.

Grants for metropolitan venues can be for as much as 60 per cent of the total project cost up to a maximum of $500,000, while for regional facilities that figure is increased to 90 per cent of the total project cost up to a maximum of $900,000. The additional funding for regional venues has been made possible through matching funding from the Royalties for Regions program.