❓ Mr Waldron questions the Minister on proposed reductions to trotting meetings in Wagin and other country centres, given the stated importance of racing to these communities. The Minister acknowledges the concerns, explains the rationale behind RWWA's plan to consolidate racing in regional centres like Narrogin, and offers to consider meeting with the Wagin Trotting Club.
AnsweredQoN 264Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
In the minister’s statement to Parliament and his press release of 19 May 2005, headed “Massive funding boost for racing industry”, he stated that the economic and social activity generated by racing was crucial to country communities. (1) How can the minister then justify proposing to take six trotting meetings out of Wagin, and to take meetings out of York, Williams and other country centres? (2) Is the minister aware of the detrimental social and economic impact this will have on Wagin and other country communities? (3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(1) How can the minister then justify proposing to take six trotting meetings out of Wagin, and to take meetings out of York, Williams and other country centres? (2) Is the minister aware of the detrimental social and economic impact this will have on Wagin and other country communities? (3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(2) Is the minister aware of the detrimental social and economic impact this will have on Wagin and other country communities? (3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry.
Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry.
(1) How can the minister then justify proposing to take six trotting meetings out of Wagin, and to take meetings out of York, Williams and other country centres? (2) Is the minister aware of the detrimental social and economic impact this will have on Wagin and other country communities? (3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(2) Is the minister aware of the detrimental social and economic impact this will have on Wagin and other country communities? (3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(3) Will the minister ensure that these meetings will not be taken out of Wagin, in line with his statement? (4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(4) Will the minister agree to meet with the Wagin Trotting Club on this issue? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Wagin for the question. I acknowledge that the member for Wagin is a supporter of the racing industry in his constituency. I am advised that Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s draft racing calendar proposes to reduce the number of race meetings allocated to the Wagin Trotting Club from 10 to seven, with a further proposal for the club to conduct three of those seven meetings at Narrogin. I understand that Narrogin is approximately a half-hour drive, or about 37 kilometres, from Wagin. RWWA recently invited all clubs to make submissions on the draft racing calendar before the end of June. Although RWWA is responsible for allocating race dates, it must do so to foster the development and promote the welfare of metropolitan and country thoroughbred racing, harness racing and greyhound racing, in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. RWWA has developed a plan to benefit the harness racing industry as a whole. Those parts of the plan that affect Wagin include - Identifying Narrogin as a regional centre for harness racing in the great southern region. Narrogin is a dual code facility close to Wagin, and RWWA’s plan is to increase the number of meetings conducted at Narrogin by three to 15 meetings, in addition to the six thoroughbred meetings that are also conducted at the venue. Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry. The member will be aware that the government has announced $26 million worth of infrastructure for the racing industry, targeted particularly at country Western Australia. I am happy to consider any requests to meet with any racing or trotting club that wants to put such a request to me. I have full confidence in the body that we have set up. RWWA is doing a very good job. Ninety-five per cent of the people in the industry believe the industry is doing very well under this new model. In Narrogin in the member’s constituency, there has been a 57 per cent increase in the stakes for harness racing in one year. There has been a 25 per cent increase in stakes for the Wagin club. In addition, for three meetings those clubs will get access to Sky vision. I understand that some people will not be happy. However, there are ups and down. No industry ever remains static if it wants to do well.
Lifting the profile of harness racing by providing a consistent Saturday night harness meeting with Sky vision and combined wagering calls. I understand Narrogin performs a prominent role in providing Saturday night harness racing with Sky vision. Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry.
Developing racecourse facilities at regional centres to improve the viability of the industry.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.