First round of WA Racing infrastructure fund grants announced

A total of 15 projects at regional and metropolitan venues across Western Australia will be funded in the first stage of the Western Australian Government's multi-million dollar grants program to improve racecourse infrastructure.

Western Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation; Racing and Gaming Terry Waldron explained "this initial funding, which amounts to nearly $1.1million, will provide much needed upgrades to tracks and facilities from Broome to Mt Barker.

"An initial amount of $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year with a further $2 million provided in each of the following four years."

In Northam, greyhound racing will receive $141,400 for track lighting and the Northam Race Club will receive $156,660 towards track repairs.

Perth Racing will see $235,440 spent on replacing the bore and essential environmental works with a further $124,000 for new plastic safety running rails at both Ascot and Belmont.

Cannington and Mandurah greyhound tracks will receive $104,000 for new starting boxes.

The Nor-West Jockey Club will receive a new false start mechanism and the Broome Turf Club will receive $65,000 to install a digital video link to enable races to be broadcast on SKY.

Other clubs to benefit from the first round of grants include the Mingenew Turf Club, York Racing and Mt Barker Turf Club.

Three other clubs, Northam Harness Racing, Narrogin Racing and Wagin Trotting Club, have received approval in principle for grants totalling $63,651 to allow them to seek partnership funding.

Clubs will be expected to use any grant provided under the program to leverage other funding opportunities from regional development commissions, local governments or Racing and Wagering Western Australia.

Image: Northam Race Club