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By Mark Brassel

There were many delighted NSW country racing participants following the announcement of a whopping $67 million being injected into racetrack upgrades by the NSW Government.

The government said the money will be spent on improvements for grandstands, raceday amenities and racecourse surfaces following consultation with Racing NSW.

Racing NSW’s CEO, Peter V’landys AM pointed out the $67m package was not a “handout” from the government, but an investment strategy.

Albury Racing Club will benefit from the NSW Government's announcement

“I can assure you Dom Perrottet [NSW Treasurer] doesn’t give money out – we had to show a business case where for every dollar the government puts in, they get $1.60 back.

"They’re going to get a substantial return on the investment,” he added.

Albury, Scone and Muswellbrook are among the 21 country clubs to benefit from the NSW Government’s initiative.

Cessnock, which no longer holds race meetings, is also listed as it will be redeveloped as a training centre.

Albury Racing Club’s CEO, Steve Hetherton, said his club welcomes the government’s investment.

“Albury Racing Club is very grateful that the NSW Government intends to make a significant investment in our racing and training facilities which will have a positive effect on our local economy,” he said.

“Through this investment, Racing Minister Kevin Anderson, our local Member Justin Clancy and Racing NSW have provided our Club with a clear vision of our future.”

Minister Kevin Anderson remarked: “Thoroughbred racing is the lifeblood of many country towns, accounting for around 17,700 jobs in the regions and contributes $1.9 billion to the state’s economy.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader, John Barilaro said: “This is the largest investment by the NSW Government in racing infrastructure and it is entirely focused on regional NSW.

“This is yet another example of how we are actively supporting a regional renaissance, giving people in regional NSW access to the best quality amenities and recreation facilities.

“The funding to upgrade racetracks in regional NSW will mean more jobs for locals and more money coming into country towns through increased tourism generated by the capacity to host more high-quality race meetings.”

Scone is set to receive $20m for increasing and upgrading on-course stabling and the construction of a poly training surface that allows for as much as a 300% increase of horses trained at the facility.

The investment complements the recent purchase of the Scone TAFE by Racing NSW and will help drive industry employment and provide job security and skilled workers.

Muswellbrook Race Club is expected to receive $4.2m for its racing and multi-purpose function centre expansion and improvements.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Taree
Tuesday: Quirindi
Thursday: Murwillumbah
Friday: Muswellbrook, Nowra
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Gundagai, Mungindi (non-TAB), Duck Creek picnics at Nyngan (non-TAB)
Sunday: Grafton, Mudgee