Racegoers, industry and the community will now have year-round access to an upgraded corporate marquee area at the Yarra Valley Racecourse thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
The Labor Government invested almost $100,000 from its Regional Customer Facilities Program, with Yarra Valley Racing Club contributing the same amount to increase capacity and improve the event experience for visitors.
The upgrade includes a weather-proof flooring extension so that the marquee can be used to host more people at year-round events.
Up to 100,000 people attend the racecourse annually, including for racing, markets, rodeos, car shows and school cross-country meets. This upgrade is anticipated to attract an extra 2,500 people to racing events and many more for other events.
The new multi-functional marquee space also features five draining pits, which will allow the club to recover quickly from any floods.
Under the program, Victoria's regional race clubs can apply for grants of up to $100,000 towards any project that will improve the standard of customer facilities and encourage additional community use.
The Labor Government has delivered more than $1.6 million to support 20 infrastructure projects, 16 thoroughbred and eight harness racing events at the Yarra Valley Racecourse.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"The racing industrygenerates more than a billion dollars for regional Victoria's economy and helps sustain more than 9,000 local jobs."
"These upgrades will bring more of the community together more often - boosting the number of local events and economic activity."
As stated by Yarra Valley Racing Club President David Long
"We are very thankful for this support from the Victorian Government. Having upgraded infrastructure improves the race day event experience for our patrons, while also increasing participation in broader community events throughout the year."
