The NSW Government will invest a record $67 million in regional racetracks in the 2021-22 NSW Budget, to deliver better facilities for punters and racegoers.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson joined the Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell in Scone today to announce this record funding for the industry.
"This is the largest investment by the NSW Government in racing infrastructure and it is entirely focused on regional NSW," Mr Barilaro said.
"Today is yet another example of how we are actively supporting a regional renaissance, giving people in regional NSW access to the best quality amenities and recreation facilities.
"This funding to upgrade racetracks in regional NSW will mean more jobs for locals and more money coming into country towns through increased tourism generated by the capacity to host more high quality race meets."
Mr Perrottet said this significant investment is a sign of the NSW Government's commitment to the racing industry and regional communities in NSW more broadly.
"This funding is the most significant investment in regional racing in the state's history and will not just secure the future of the sport in communities right across NSW, but continue to see it emerge as an employment and economic powerhouse," Mr Perrottet said.
Mr 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 programs like Scone, Tamworth and Gunnedah 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 Liberals and Nationals Government the 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 17,700 jobs in the regions and contributes $1.9 billion to the state's economy. 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."
Newly elected NSW Nationals member for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell welcomed the funding which will see upgrades to infrastructure and the tracks.
"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 racing facilities," Mr Layzell said.
"This is fantastic news for the people of the Upper Hunter as the flow-on effects of these upgrades will reach every corner of our community as people flock to town for the races, staying in local hotels, eating at local cafes, and shopping in local stores."
