THE State Government has announced a $24 million stimulus package for the South Australian racing industry, in what will be a boost to Gawler’s three racing codes.
The Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club, the Gawler Greyhound
Racing Club and the Gawler Harness Racing Club will be part
beneficiaries of the announcement, which will provide $8 million to each separate industry in the state.
The funding will help the three codes progress key reforms and agreed infrastructure projects.
Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club manager Shane Collins said it was a “fantastic announcement”.
“It’s something we’re very excited to hear about and see, that the government are going to support the racing industry,” he said.
“It’s not a handout, it’s getting back some of the extra funding the government had taken from the racing POC (Point of Consumption) tax.
“It’s an opportunity for us to get a percentage of that money back to survive.
“It’s a great starting point, it means our industry can move forward in a positive manner, and a positive direction with growth and improvement with horse numbers and participants.
“That’s what we need to get back, rather than the declining numbers of the past few years.”
Gawler Greyhound Racing Club manager Shawn Noack said it was a “great opportunity” for the three racing codes in SA.
“The Gawler club is very supportive of what’s been put forward by the State Government, and the arrangements that have been put in place,” he said.
“It’s a real positive for not just the racing industry, but greyhound racing in Gawler.
“We’re currently funding renovations downstairs (at our venue), we’re spending upwards of $80,000 creating an additional room not just for racing, but additional function
activity.”
The SA racing industry will also receive annual payments equivalent to 1.5 per cent of net state wagering revenue received from the betting operations tax from 2019/20, which
is estimated to generate $4 million a year.
Racing minster Corey Wingard said the government supported the work of the racing industry.
“The Marshall Government has heard the concerns of the racing industry and is delivering a significant $24 million stimulus package to ensure we help protect local jobs and enable the industry to strengthen its business and become sustainable into the future,” he said.
“The ongoing funding is reliant on the industry implementing important governance changes, which would allow it to thrive within a competitive market.
“Funding from 2022/23 is also dependent on the racing
industry demonstrating that the funding has contributed to
growing jobs and the economic contribution of the industry in
South Australia.
“We have made it quite clear we are looking at ways to secure the state’s economic future by investing in industries that grow the economy and provide substantial benefits to the community.
“This funding will help the racing industry build the infrastructure it needs to create a viable, long-term business model which will support South Australian jobs well into the future.”