Country Racing: the last horse home?

Source: (State MP for Benalla) Bill Sykes Media Release

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes told Parliament this week proposed changes to the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Licensing) Bill are set to have a long term negative impact on country racing now that Gambling Legislation will result in less money going from poker machine revenue to the Victorian Racing industry.

“It is important that we continue to support country racing, and this legislation as it stands at the moment will continue to put pressure on country racing, which puts pressure on country communities, which in turn puts pressure on our trainers, schools and all of those who see country racing as a provider of places to go,” Bill Sykes said.

In spite of assurances by the Brumby Government that the proposed changes would not affect country racing, an independent assessment by Ernst and Young has shown racing to be $600 million worse off, which will have a flow on effect on race clubs throughout regional Victoria. Linked with this is a rationalisation (ie cost cutting) of country racing.

If proposals by Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) come into effect the consequences for country racing clubs such as Mansfield, Merton and Benalla would impact both socially and economically on those communities.

The Mansfield Shire Council’s written submission to RVL in relation to the proposed changes predicted a loss of 34 jobs and $2.1 million in the Mansfield community.

“That is significant at any time,” Bill Sykes said, “but at a time when our country communities are seeking to cope with the impact of 12 tough years, bushfires and a global recession, it is an appalling state of affairs that further pain is going to be inflicted upon that community for the sake of, in the case of Mansfield, a lousy $30,000 to $40,000 a year.

RVL’s rationalisation process includes the centralisation of horse training to Seymour, thus potentially ending the careers of horse trainers in the Mansfield district.

“I note the success of apprentice jockey Billy Egan at Melbourne race tracks and that on the cover of the Mansfield Shire Council’s submission is a photo of Luke Nolan riding to victory in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield only a couple of weeks ago. That is a product of the training that is available at Mansfield for young riders, indicating that we have something which must be protected at Mansfield,” Bill Sykes said.

The stringent proposed viability measures for picnic race meetings threaten the future of Merton Race Club which has successfully run meetings for over 100 years.

Bill Sykes told Parliament: “The Mansfield and District Equestrian Club stress the importance of the picnic race meeting at Merton to the whole community and to fundraising groups such as it…even the Landcare group at Merton has supplied a letter of support emphasising the importance of that meeting locally.”

The Benalla Racing Club is under pressure from the threat of removal of $120,000 worth of funding, placing its 11 meetings per year at risk.

“I should say that the Benalla Racing Club has a fantastic set-up and that as a sponsor of racing events I look forward to getting into the spirit of racing and to see the benefits of events like the Benalla St Patrick’s Day race meeting for the whole community,” Bill Sykes said.

Bill Sykes concluded by urging the Brumby Government to do more, to make sure they get the legislation right to ensure country racing is not scratched from the field.


EDITORS NOTE: To view the complete Hansard go to: http://tex.parliament.vic.gov.au/bin/texhtmlt?form=VicHansard.adv
SEARCH: Current Member: Sykes Date:  2009 March 10

Bill Sykes MP, State Member for Benalla
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture & Water
Ph: 03 5762 2100   Fx: 03 5762 4478  Mobile: 0427 624 989
Email: bill.sykes@parliament.vic.gov.au