By Derek Schlennstedt
Yarra Valley Racing is set to launch a new social club package and revamp its harness owners’ room facilities, thanks to more than $68,000 in jointly funded initiatives supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The social club package will bring together locals and visitors to the Yarra Valley, with more than 1200 people expected to flock to the track for three days of racing between November 2017 and February 2018.
The funding also supports an upgrade to the owners’ room facilities, with the installation of new timber panelling, air-conditioning and whitegoods, as well as electrical and plumbing improvements.
The Labor Government is contributing more than $33,000 from its Victorian Industry Racing Fund to support both initiatives.
The club is also providing more than $27,000 for the two projects, while the Victorian Harness Racing Sports Club and Harness Racing Victoria are jointly contributing almost $7000 towards the owners’ room refurbishment.
“Country racing events play an important role in boosting the economy and attracting tourists to our regional cities and towns,” Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said.
“Owners are an integral part of the racing industry and the upgraded rooms at Yarra Valley will ensure this venue remains one of the top country harness racing facilities in the state.”
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed more than $300,000 for eight infrastructure projects and five harness racing events at the Yarra Valley.
The racing industry in outer Melbourne generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 3720 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
“We’re grateful for the funding we’ve received from the Victorian Government supporting our social club package and the revamp of our harness owners’ area,” Yarra Valley Racing CEO Brett Shambrook said.
“It’s gearing up to be a big three months at Yarra Valley Racing and we encourage all Victorians to come and enjoy country harness racing at its finest.”
Yarra Valley Racing also celebrated 70 years of harness racing at its ‘Trots Tradition’ race day on Tuesday, 7 November.
