Western Australian racing industry a big winner

9/12/04
Western Australia's racing industry will be given a $20million boost by a State Government initiative announced today by Racing Minister Nick Griffiths.
"The Gallop Government will make annual development grants of $5million to the industry's controlling body, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, over the next four years," Mr Griffiths said.
"The first of the grants will be made for the financial year starting on July 1 next year."
The Minister said the grants scheme, the first ever promised to WA racing, was in response to RWWA's submission to Government, following the findings of an extensive strategic survey of the industry by the Allen Consulting Group.
"These grants will enable RWWA to plan capital works programs that are urgently needed at regional racing centres," he said.
"RWWA has identified these centres as Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Northam, Kalgoorlie, Peel, Lark Hill and Pinjarra.
"The Government recognises the importance of these regional centres to the racing industry, the State's economy and the local communities.
"In addition, RWWA has indicated its need for funding to assist in the redevelopment of the Ascot track and modernisation of all metropolitan racing, pacing and chasing venues.
"Many of WA's major racing facilities are outdated, the majority of the significant buildings having been built prior to the 1970s. Most are in sore need of repair and maintenance to meet minimum standards.
"The Government's development grants will kick start RWWA's strategies to revitalise and ensure the future sustainability of the racing industry.
"We established RWWA to ensure a successful future for the industry and our firm policy remains that there be a taxation structure, that will achieve by August 1, 2005, the best competitive framework necessary to encourage performance.
"This initiative has been possible because of the State Government's sound financial management over the past four years."
Mr Griffiths said this was in contrast to the previous Liberal government, which produced five deficits and all but ignored the racing industry.
Minister's office: 9222 8950