REGION - Stylish new outdoor furniture will be a new feature at races in Ararat and Stawell starting this Spring Racing Carnival thanks to funding from the Victorian Coalition Government and the racing industry.
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Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said Ararat Turf Club and Stawell Racing Club are among 19 clubs that will share in new race day furniture including market umbrellas and picnic seating worth $202,500.
New equipment made available for race days at these two clubs and kept within the region will include:
Five market umbrellas.
Fifty stackable barrel chairs.
Five outdoor tables as well as decorative fencing.
"Country racing is a great way to spend a day with family, friends and work colleagues and this furniture will be available for use all year round," Dr Napthine said.
"The new outdoor furniture will add to the Spring Racing Carnival's country cups and race days, which attract 176,000 racegoers and generates more than $51 million to the regional economy.
"This new outdoor furniture adds great appeal to big race days in the region including Ararat's Gold Cup Day in mid-November, the Kid's Summer Race day at Stawell in January and of course Stawell Gold Cup Day over Easter.
"The new equipment can also benefit the community at local events, such as sporting carnivals, market days and fetes," Dr Napthine said.
Country Racing Victoria chief executive officer Scott Whiteman said country racing prides itself on providing quality race day facilities at an affordable price at each of the 54 professional racing clubs right across Victoria.
"The injection of new market umbrellas and quality furniture at country race clubs ensures that we are able to maintain the high standards of on-course facilities for our patrons.
"In the past it has been a costly exercise in transporting and installing equipment throughout the state and this new locally based equipment will assist clubs in cutting their costs. CRV once again thanks the Coalition Government and the Minister for Racing Dr Napthine for their contribution."
The Coalition Government is providing $102,500 in partnership with Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria is providing $100,000 towards this investment. The funding will purchase 50 marquees, 105 market umbrellas, 145 tables, 500 chairs as well as fencing, pegs and gutters.
Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government is a strong supporter of country racing and is committed to assisting country racing clubs with infrastructure and patron facilities through the $79.5 million Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
