The announcement was made on Wednesday by Premier Denis Napthine, who said there would also be improvements made to the site’s owners’ lounge. 

The $146,000 in funding announcement is part of a push to improve the facility before racing returns later this year.

Racing at the course has been put on hold until October while works are carried out to repair an over-compacted section of the home straight. 

The reopening was originally scheduled for Sunday, May 11, and was later shifted to June before being delayed until October. 

“The turf club has had its challenges getting the new track bedded in but I think they have made the right decision,” Dr Napthine said. 

“What we need to do is get the track right. We need to make sure the track gets good grass, deep-rooted grass, so we can have a very good racing surface.”

The Ballarat Turf Club will contribute $126,049 to the projects with Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria contributing $20,000. 

Ballarat Turf Club committee member Craig Fletcher welcomed the announcement. 

“They signify the continuing improvement and investment in the facilities here,” he said. 

Mr Fletcher said the Turf Club was confident the track would be ready for the Ballarat Cup in November. 

“The Ballarat Turf Club has been working very hard to ensure we get that grass in, get it bedded in properly not just for today but for the future as well,” he said, 

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au