Minister Napthine is joined by stakeholders at today's Cranbourne announcement
Cranbourne is set to become Victoria’s leading harness training venue with the construction of a unique communal stabling complex and two associated training tracks.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine today announced $918,307 in funding from the Victorian Coalition Government for a vastly enhanced Cranbourne Harness Racing Training Centre stabling complex.
Dr Napthine said the $1.575 million project, to be up and running by mid 2012, would be jointly funded by the Coalition Government, Harness Racing Victoria, the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club, the City of Casey and South East Water.
“This state-of-the-art 48 barn stabling complex will be a communal facility that will allow professional and hobby trainers to work side by side and stable their horses without incurring the expense of buying and developing their own stables,” Dr Napthine said.
“This project is the first of its kind in Victoria, and will allow trainers to walk their horses to the racetrack for track work without the expensive transportation costs. It will also help to retain and grow jobs in Cranbourne and surrounds as well as provide further direct economic benefits to the local economy.”
Dr Napthine said that since the project was initially announced in September 2010, the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club had identified a much larger, more practical, and safer six-acre site within the Cranbourne Training Complex.
“By removing the need to cross any public roads, the improved and expanded project we are announcing today will be a better and safer resource for the harness industry,” Dr Napthine said.
Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Ken Latta said Harness Racing Victoria appreciated the Victorian Government’s contribution towards the important strategic initiative for harness racing.
“This facility will attract new entrants and small to medium sized professional stables who are looking to set up their own complexes without the significant capital expenditure normally required,” Mr Latta said.
“This fantastic joint initiative will deliver vastly improved infrastructure to the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club and its participants, helping to further grow the sport within one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria.”
Cranbourne Harness Racing Club Chief Executive David Scott thanked the Victorian Government and Harness Racing Victoria for their funding contributions and said the new sand tracks would be a boost for trainers.
“This development will provide a means by which our club can build and maintain a viable horse population to support the continued growth of harness racing activity in the region,” Mr Scott said.
“It will also provide a much needed entry point for new participants to our sport and we are delighted HRV and the Victorian Government have seen fit to support this undertaking at Cranbourne.”
Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government would provide $918,307 towards the $1.575 million project, with Harness Racing Victoria and the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club jointly contributing $636,693. The City of Casey will provide $20,000 to assist with perimeter fencing for the project and South East Water has also contributed a $20,000 Major Capital Works Grant.
