Scone and Muswellbrook race clubs are set to benefit from a share of a $67 million investment by the NSW Government on upgrades to racetracks across the state.
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The funding is set to be allocated as part of the NSW budget and represents the largest investment by the the state government in racing infrastructure in a decade, according to Deputy Premier John Barilaro. Scone is set to receive $20 million for increasing and upgrading on-course stabling and the construction of a poly training surface which will allow for as much as a 300 per cent increase of horses trained at the facility.
The investment is set to complement the recent purchase of the Scone TAFE by Racing NSW and help drive industry employment and provide job security and skilled workers. Muswellbrook Race Club will receive $4.2 million for its racing and multi-purpose function centre expansion and improvements.
Racing NSW CEO Peter V'Landys, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson, along with Member for the Upper Hunter David Layzell, made the announcement at Scone Race Club last week.
"This is the largest investment by the NSW Nationals in the state government in racing infrastructure and it is entirely focused on regional NSW," Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Anderson said the $67 million will be split across Racing NSW venues in regional NSW.
"The recent Cups Carnival programs like Scone, Tamworth and Gunnedah attracted large crowds with people keen to get back on track," Mr Anderson said.
"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. This investment by the NSW Nationals in the state government will ensure those numbers keep growing with more money coming into our country towns."
