Manning Valley Race Club has started work on a $1.2 million upgrade to its facilities following delays caused by record-breaking rains across the region.
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the Taree club had to postpone upgrade work for five weeks due to flooding but is now back on track.
"This funding could not come at a better time for Manning Valley Race Club as it gets back on its feet following the recent big wet," Mr Bromhead said.
"This $1.2 million investment from the NSW Government's COVID-19 stimulus package will provide much welcome upgrades to horse tie-up day stalls, install new accessways and paths, construct wash bays, and improve drainage and wastewater management
"These improvements will provide a big boost to the race club's facilities and ensure our local racing industry remains vibrant and sustainable."
Manning Valley Race Club Chairman Greg Coleman said the upgrades will benefit local horses, trainers and their staff
"We demolished the 45-year old tie-up horse stalls that were programmed for stage one works but then got washed out by 19 inches of rain over two days, our worst flooding since 1978," Mr Coleman said.
"The grounds have dried so we have reactivated work. This funding will allow us to upgrade the racecourse's 118 horse stalls including concrete floors, drainage and roofing.
"Rainwater will be harvested off the roofs and collected in tanks to provide extra supplies to water and wash horses, taking pressure off the town water supply.
"New accessways and paths will be installed for horses and disability access.
"Four additional wash bays will also be built to wash horses when they arrive and after races."
Minister Responsible for Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is proud to support racing infrastructure across regional NSW that helps build community engagement, provides employment and improves the liveability of regional communities.
"Manning Valley Race Club is one of regional NSW's busiest tracks with 22 race meetings a year, making it the third most raced-on track in country NSW," Mr Anderson said.
"It is great to see that now that the rain has passed this project is shovel ready and will create 21 new jobs in the local community and in doing so deliver a much-need economic stimulus."
