David Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter today announced that the NSW Government is making a record investment of $67 million for regional racetracks including $20 million for Scone racetrack and $4.2 million for Muswellbrook racetrack.
Mr Layzell said this funding is a huge boost for the sport in the spiritual home of thoroughbred racing in Australia, the Upper Hunter.
“The funding will see upgrades to infrastructure and the tracks, providing better facilities for punters and racegoers as well as the horses,” Mr Layzell said.
“We have the best thoroughbred horses in the world right here in the Upper Hunter so it makes sense that we also have the best facilities.
“This funding will enable the construction of a new Polytrack training surface and stables at Scone and upgraded patron’s facilities at Muswellbrook enhancing the Upper Hunter as a regional centre for thoroughbred excellence.
“This is fantastic news for the whole region as race goers will visit every corner of our community as people flock to the epicenter of regional racing.
“That means visitors staying in local hotels, eating at local cafes, drinking local wine and shopping in local stores.”
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Minister responsible for racing Kevin Anderson said through this record funding for the racing industry, $67 million will be split across Racing NSW venues across regional NSW.
“The recent Cups Carnival in Scone attracted large crowds with people keen to get back on track.” Mr Anderson said.
“Thoroughbred racing was the shining light amongst sport and recreation during COVID and Australia was the only jurisdiction which did not suffer widespread racing closures. In fact, under the Nationals, industry charged ahead with its racing calendar, keeping thousands of people in work.
“Thoroughbred racing is the lifeblood of many country towns, accounting for around 14,000 jobs in the regions with over 6000 of these right here in the Hunter. This investment by the NSW Government will ensure those numbers keep growing with more money coming into our country towns.
“Under the NSW Government, NSW has cemented our position as the leading jurisdiction for racing in the Southern Hemisphere, easily outranking Victoria in prestige and prizemoney.”
My Layzell continued, saying this investment is yet another example of the Nationals in Government commitment to racing and breeding in the Upper Hunter Electorate.
“This is the single largest investment by the NSW Government in racing infrastructure and I am very pleased to announce that the NSW Nationals were able to secure such a significant portion of it for our Upper Hunter Electorate,” Mr Layzell concluded.
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