The Racing and Training Facilities program supports racing clubs and organisations to improve infrastructure and facilities, which enable the delivery of quality training and racing environments at racing venues across Victoria.
A sustainable racing industry needs high‑quality, accessible, well-designed, and well‑managed facilities to conduct training and racing. Developing training and racing facilities that support industry participants, animal and participant welfare is a priority.
Program objectives and outcomes
The program will support racing clubs and organisations to upgrade infrastructure and facilities with an aim of improving participant and animal welfare and increasing participation in racing.
The VRIF Racing and Training Facilities program objectives are to:
- improve the quality and safety of racing and training infrastructure
- support the welfare of racing animals and the wellbeing of jockeys, trainers, drivers and participants
- support facility upgrades which have universal design, gender neutral design, are environmentally sustainable, and strategically planned
- develop local economic activity through the planning, building, activating, maintaining, and managing of redeveloped or new infrastructure.
The intended outcomes of this program are:
- improved infrastructure and facilities which support training and racing
- improved animal and participant welfare
- infrastructure and facilities which improve access to all members of the industry
- support for the ongoing viability of racing in Victoria.
Funding
Grants will be provided on a cash co-contribution basis of up to 50 per cent of the total eligible budget expenditure.
Program dates
Applications are considered all year round. It is recommended that applications are submitted at least 3 months prior to the expected commencement date of the project.
Eligible applicants
The following organisations are eligible to apply for a Racing and Training Facilities grant:
- Racing Victoria Limited.
- Country Racing Victoria.
- Harness Racing Victoria.
- Greyhound Racing Victoria.
- Racing clubs licensed under section 24A of the Racing Act 1958. This includes HRV Management Limited (trading as Tabcorp Park) and racing clubs registered as part of the Wimmera Racing Club.
- Racing clubs licensed by Racing Victoria Limited as a picnic racing club.
- Racing clubs licensed by Harness Racing Victoria as a graduation club.
The following organisations are eligible to apply for funding with written support from the relevant controlling body:
- Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs.
Eligible expenditure
A full listing of eligible and ineligible project expenditure is provided within the program guidelines.
Applicants must read the program guidelines before submitting an application.
Program area and assistance
For more information about the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and the Major Racing Events Fund please contact the Office of Racing at vrif@justice.vic.gov.au
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