Cranbourne is set to get a new synthetic training track and new playground equipment as part of $2.1 million in Brumby Labor Government funding.

 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls announced on Tuesday that the Brumby Labor Government would contribute $2.1 million to build a new 1700-metre synthetic training track for thoroughbred horses at the Cranbourne Training Complex.

 

“Cranbourne is the largest thoroughbred training complex in the southern hemisphere, the workhorse of Victoria's world-class racing industry, and today's announcement will ensure it continues to develop as a country racing and training hotspot,” he said.

 

Funding for the project comes from the $86 million Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund (RRIF), an historic partnership between the Brumby Labor Government and the racing industry.

 

Racing Victoria Limited and Country Racing Victoria are jointly contributing $900,000 for the new thoroughbred training track.

 

Mr Hulls said the Government was also investing $25,950 to help build children's play equipment at Cranbourne Racing Centre, as part of the Brumby Labor Government's Living Country Racing Program (LCRP).

 

“Our country racing clubs play such an important role in the communities in which they operate, not just as a sporting club but part of the cultural, social and economic fabric of the areas, and this new equipment will encourage more families to enjoy a day out at the races,” Mr Hulls said.

 

Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera said the Cranbourne racing community was passionate about all racing codes – thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds – and the racing centre was one of Victoria's greatest country racing success stories.

 

“As the home of Australia's premier training ground, Cranbourne deserves world-class infrastructure to accompany its world-class reputation, and this Brumby Labor Government funding will ensure Cranbourne's ongoing success,” Mr Perera said.

 

Racing Victoria Limited's Chief Operating Officer Bernard Saundry said the Cranbourne Training Complex was the largest training centre in the southern hemisphere and would benefit immensely from the installation of a synthetic training track.

 

“With an average of 650 horses in training every morning at Cranbourne a synthetic training track will provide a first class surface capable of dealing with a heavy workload in all weather conditions,” Mr Saundry said.