Starting gates fly open for upgrades to regional racecourses in WA
Work is already underway at the Geraldton Turf Club as part of the WA Government’s commitment to invest $25.2 million dollars to upgrade regional racecourses and support the State’s racing industry in the regions.
A special Royalties for Regions Racing Fund (RRRF) has been approved to fund industry projects at various regional thoroughbred and harness racing club venues.
Management of the RRRF initiative will be provided by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) and the projects will be delivered via Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), in consultation with racing clubs.
The infrastructure projects will include various upgrades to deliver turf, lighting, fencing, roofing, horse stalls, cameras, vision towers and administration offices, as well as steward and jockey rooms, including new facilities for female participants.
The Geraldton Turf Club works will replace the track’s irrigation system and turf at a cost of $1.3 million. The irrigation replacement is expected to be completed by September, allowing for track preparation ahead of the season resuming in October 2025.
Clubs to receive funding from the RRRF:
- Albany Harness Racing Club
- Albany Racing Club
- Broome Turf Club
- Bunbury Trotting Club
- Bunbury Turf Club
- Busselton Trotting Club
- Carnarvon Race Club
- Collie Race Club
- Dongara-Irwin Race Club
- Esperance Bay Turf Club
- Geraldton Turf Club
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Club
- Kununurra Race Club
- Mt Barker Turf Club
- Narrogin Race and Pace
- Northam Harness
- Northam Race Club
- Pinjarra Paceway
- Pinjarra Race Club
- Roebourne – Nor West Jockey Club
- Wagin Trotting Club
- Williams Harness Racing Club
The $25.2 million is additional to the $1.5 million provided by the WA Government for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club to establish the Golden Saddle Slot Race later this year, and to utilise a $261,000 grant to cover additional water costs.