The Ballarat Turf Club will receive more than $124,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to support three major infrastructure projects and key racing days at Dowling Forest Racecourse.

These include a track measurement device to provide detailed breakdowns of surface conditions across the track, replacing the club’s manual irrigation system and improving its audio visual equipment.

The Ballarat and District Trotting Club is set to benefit from $22,000 from the government and Harness Racing Victoria to go towards a surface conditioning program at Bray Raceway.

This includes 10,000 litres of canola oil applied to the track to improve water retention, improve drainage systems and help reduce water usage by up to 30 per cent.

The government and club will also contribute about $18,000 towards new racecourse signage. 

Meanwhile, the Burrumbeet Park and Windermere Racing Club will receive about $87,000 to add to its renovation project, which combined with the club and Racing Victoria’s contribution will equate to $173,000 in upgrades.

These upgrades include 11 stall practice gates with an electronic starting system to be installed by the end of the month, full padding on gate divisions and platforms, overhead pull-up bars for riders, an extension of the women’s jockey rooms and new shade sails. 

Ararat Turf Club’s major refurbishment is also set to benefit with the government providing $56,000 towards the project. 

The project includes improving the ambulance track, redoing the betting ring floor to meet occupational health and safety standards, relocating the broadcast area and widening the road by the entrance. 

Meanwhile, Avoca Racing Club will spend $43,000 of government funding on horse and jockey safety.

Eleven stall starting gates will be installed with the same features as Burrumbeet, allowing the club to run industry trials and jump outs.

Pakula said country racing clubs played a vital role in boosting local economies, supporting regional jobs and attracting visitors, with the Victorian Racing Industry Fund established to benefit the clubs.

“It’s a great fund for supporting country race tracks whether it is through race day attraction or infrastructure upgrade,” Pakula said.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet Victoria said the racing industry in the Central Highlands generated more than $96 million for the Victorian economy and helped sustain more than 950 full-time jobs in the region.