- Minister for Racing
The Warrnambool Racing Club is set to entertain even more racing enthusiasts with the Andrews Labor Government today announcing funding towards the Matilda Room extension project.
The Labor Government will provide $300,000 to ensure the project can start immediately following this year's May Carnival, with works planned to be completed in time for the famous three days at Warrnambool in 2020.
The $4.9 million Matilda Room extension is expected to generate significant benefits in the wider Warrnambool region with an economic impact of $9.2 million through construction, resulting in the creation of 28 full-time jobs.
The Matilda Room works will include upgrades to the kitchen, bar, viewing deck and other amenities as well as the addition of a ground-floor cafeteria and presentation bar. These upgrades will provide additional capacity on feature race days and enable the club to better accommodate large regional events.
In 2018, more than 31,696 people attended the Warrnambool May Carnival with more than 69 per cent travelling from outside the region. This created a $14.7 million boost to the economy - up 20 per cent on the previous year.
The Government is also providing $25,000 for Warrnambool's Jericho Cup meeting, now in its second year. To be held on 1 December, the Jericho Cup honours the stories of the Australian Light Horse and will feature marching bands and memorabilia.
Racegoers will be able to take advantage of complimentary shuttle bus services to the racecourse from major regional centres including Ballarat, Camperdown, Geelong, Hamilton, Lismore, Mortlake, Mt Gambier, Portland, Terang, Timboon and Warrnambool City.
Since 2014, the Government has approved more than $1.4 million to support race days and 13 infrastructure projects at the Warrnambool Racing Club.
As stated by Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
"We're proud to play our part in backing both the Matilda Room extension project and Jericho Cup so that Warrnambool can continue to be a premier racing destination for years to come, attracting the best of the best and bringing thousands of visitors and jobs to the region."
"The racing industry in Warrnambool and the South West region generates more than $109 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 940 full time equivalent jobs in the region."
As stated by Warrnambool Racing Club president Nick Rule
"This is the most significant infrastructure investment the Warrnambool Racing Club has undertaken in 20 years.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from the Victorian Government - without this support the project would not be able to go ahead."
