Te Akau: Viewpoint

The Cranbourne Racing Centre is set for a $3.6 million makeover with Premier and Minister for Racing Denis Napthine yesterday announcing a major grandstand upgrade and the development of a large-scale function centre for the Casey community.

“This project will provide the City of Casey community with a great new facility to host large events,” Dr Napthine said.

“The existing grandstand has been in operation since the mid-1980s. This upgrade will transform the centre into a 21st century premier racing and functions venue and create a valuable asset for the local community.

“The City of Casey is a major growth area and this development will provide local schools, businesses and sporting organisations with access to a large function centre, to be used for events such as graduations, balls and awards nights.

“It will also greatly improve the amenity of the centre for racegoers, particularly the many thousands who now flock to exciting night racing events here in Cranbourne,” Dr Napthine said.

The redeveloped grandstand will feature:

• a 400-seat function centre for both racing and non-racing events;

• tiered raceday seating for 150 patrons;

• expanded corporate hospitality facilities;

• modern bars, dining rooms, tote outlets, fittings and kitchens; and

• a fully enclosed glass panelled grandstand.

“This project will create an additional 85 jobs during the construction phase and deliver a further 55 ongoing jobs when the grandstand and function centre are complete,” Dr Napthine said.

“This will add to the 1,400 people who are already employed at the Cranbourne Racing and Training Centre and through associated racing service industries in the region.”

Cranbourne is already home to the largest thoroughbred training complex in the southern hemisphere, and Cranbourne Turf Club Chairman Geoff Whiffin said the redevelopment would attract more trainers to the facility.

“This is a great day for thoroughbred racing in Cranbourne and also for the wider Cranbourne community, as this facility will provide a significant boost to the local area and economy,” Whiffin said.

Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Tony Wright said, “the Greyhound Club is delighted with the funding grant. This redevelopment will elevate it to the highest standard for race goers and for function use by the community of the City of Casey,” Wright said.

Cranbourne Harness Racing Club Chief Executive Officer David Scott said the club was delighted to learn of the Victorian Government's support for the project.

“This upgrade to our facilities will be welcomed by our patrons and provides opportunities for the venue to generate important nonraceday income for stakeholders,” Mr Scott said.

Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Saundry said the Cranbourne Turf Club grandstand development is hugely significant for both the Club and broader industry.

“It is a terrific allocation of funds to a key Victorian venue, which is a pillar of Victoria's night racing program and located within the fastest-growing municipality in Victoria, the City of Casey,” Saundry said.

Country Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Scott Whiteman, said that he and the CRV Board were delighted with the support of the Victorian Government to allow this major initiative to proceed.

“Cranbourne is a major racing, training and wagering venue and the Turf Club's' pivotal role in the industry has increased with the introduction of night racing. It can now turn its attention to attracting an even larger customer base with these modern facilities,” Whiteman said.

The Victorian Coalition Government has committed $1.8million to the Cranbourne project from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF). The remaining $1.8million is being contributed jointly by Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria, Greyhound Racing Victoria, the Cranbourne Turf Club, the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club and the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club.

“Racing plays an important role in Victoria's economy generating more than $2billion per year and supporting more than 70,000 jobs,” Dr Napthine said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to growing this industry and its benefits through our $79.5million VRIF which reinvests unclaimed dividends and on course wagering taxes back to the three racing codes.”