The Pinjarra Race Club will become capable of hosting winter racing in 2011 following an in-principle funding commitment by the State Government.
Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron announced today that he had agreed to an in-principle grant of $331,475 to assist the lifting and sealing of horse float and other key parking areas at the Pinjarra track.
"The grant will be provided under the State Government's recently announced Racecourse Infrastructure Grants Program which will see $13million provided for metropolitan and country racing and training venues in the next five years," Mr Waldron said.
The funding for the grants program is dependent upon Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia approval for increased gaming capacity at Burswood Casino and this is currently pending.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has recommended that the grant be approved on an in-principle basis due to the special scheduling circumstances of the project.
The Minister said the bulk of the work needed to be completed prior to racing recommencing at Pinjarra on October 17 so that the track was available if needed for winter racing next year.
"The Western Australian racing industry desperately needs a back-up venue to Belmont Park during winter," he said.
"While the Belmont Park racecourse does a fantastic job absorbing an enormous workload during winter, the combination of inclement weather and a heavy racing program stretches its capability with the worst-case scenario being an abandoned meeting.
"I am satisfied that these special circumstances establish a case for in-principle approval and I have therefore agreed to support the recommendation."
Following previous State Government grants in recent years totalling $3.5million, the Pinjarra racing surface is now capable of conducting winter racing, but the car park inundation problem had so far prevented this.
The in-principle funding has been provided on a partnership basis with RWWA contributing $182,200, the club $149,275 and the Government providing the balance for a total project cost of $662,950.
Minister's office - 9213 7200
