❓ Mr. Jacob asks about government support for racecourse infrastructure maintenance. Minister Waldron outlines a $13 million funding commitment over five years, supplementing existing regional development grants, sourced from increased casino gaming revenue.
AnsweredQoN 475Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
RACECOURSE INFRASTRUCTURE
I am aware that increased financial pressures facing the state’s racing industry have placed severe constraints on the industry’s ability to fund the maintenance of its racecourse infrastructure. Can the minister please outline how the government is helping the industry with this serious issue? Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Obviously, there are members in this place who have better questions and answers. I have not heard them yet. I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON
I am aware that increased financial pressures facing the state’s racing industry have placed severe constraints on the industry’s ability to fund the maintenance of its racecourse infrastructure. Can the minister please outline how the government is helping the industry with this serious issue? Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Obviously, there are members in this place who have better questions and answers. I have not heard them yet. I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Obviously, there are members in this place who have better questions and answers. I have not heard them yet. I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
The SPEAKER : Obviously, there are members in this place who have better questions and answers. I have not heard them yet. I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Obviously, there are members in this place who have better questions and answers. I have not heard them yet. I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
The SPEAKER : Obviously, there are members in this place who have better questions and answers. I have not heard them yet. I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
I thank the member for his question. As the Minister for Racing and Gaming, I am very much aware of the financial pressures that the racing industry has been under. It is facing increased pooling fees and increased competition from interstate operators following the High Court decision on Betfair. I remember debating that matter in this very place. History has shown that when the racing industry is under pressure, one of the first things to suffer is the infrastructure. That is a fact. I am very pleased that I can report that I recently announced the government’s commitment to provide $13 million over five years for grants for the improvement of racecourse infrastructure in the metropolitan and country areas. Initially, $5 million will be allocated to the program in the first year and a further $2 million will be provided on an annual basis, subject to review after four years. Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr M.P. Murray interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the second time today. Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr T.K. WALDRON : This funding comes on top of the royalties for regions program, which has seen the regional development commissions award nine racing clubs funding over the past two years, including the race club in the member for Collie–Preston’s electorate, which was very appreciative of the funding it got. We have seen the York Harness Racing Club re-established, and other clubs around the state are benefiting from this funding. The ability to do this was brought about by the deal the government negotiated with Burswood Casino to increase its gaming. People understand that, in many cases, the casino and the TAB compete for the same customers and that the casino would impact on the TAB’s ability to fund the racecourse infrastructure. The government believes that extra revenue should be awarded to a very important industry. The number of people employed by the industry throughout the state is particularly important. The funding will not provide for every need. The grants will be offered on a partnership basis, just as sport and recreation grants are offered, because I believe it is important for the people who receive the grants to have local ownership and be involved in the process. We have had great support from the clubs on that. The highest priority projects will be eligible for the funding, and racing clubs will be expected to use the grant provided to try to leverage other funding, such as federal grants; regional development commission grants; local government grants; and Racing and Wagering Western Australia grants. Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr M.P. Murray : No strings attached! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
Mr T.K. WALDRON : Some big projects will not fit into this, and they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the government, and on the merits of that fund. I think this is responsible allocation that has been very much welcomed by the racing industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with the racing industry during what has been quite a tough time for the industry. I congratulate the way the industry has managed itself throughout this period; it has been under a fair bit of pressure, and I think it is doing a good job.
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