More horses, more trainers and more jobs is the likely outcome of a new $8 million synthetic race track to be built at Ballarat racecourse.
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Racing Victoria announced Ballarat had beaten Geelong and Kilmore as the site of the state’s new all-weather synthetic track.
“From a racing industry perspective this is one of the watershed moments for racing in Ballarat,” said Ballarat Turf Club chief executive Lachlan McKenzie.
When built, it means Ballarat will have the ability to host more than 40 race meetings per year, will never lose a race meet for inclement weather or track conditions, and can expand its current training capacity which is almost full.
Mr McKenzie said the key element was the advantage it gave to trainers.
“This is the fastest growing training centre in Australia, but our trainers are becoming hamstrung for capacity for track work in the morning,” he said. The synthetic track will increase training capacity, allowing for more trainers and more horses to use the Dowling Forest complex.
“Since the announcement I’ve fielded two phone calls from well-established trainers asking about the possibility of moving to Ballarat,” he said.
Mr McKenzie said the racecourse expansion would bring economic benefits right across the Miners Rest community through employment and business growth.
With one full-time job for every four horses that are trained, and the prospect of increasing horse numbers by 200, it is the equivalent of 50 jobs.
“With more horses, more jobs, and more economic activity it means more growth in Miners Rest,” he said.
Committee for Miners Rest president Alicia Bond cautiously welcomed the Ballarat synthetic track announcement.
“As a committee we support the equine facility but our only concern would be around increased traffic movement and trucks coming to the area by having the synthetic track,” she said.
“But if it means more trainers coming to the area, or more people and facilities, then that’s something we welcome.”
Cr Grant Tillett, whose North Ward takes in Miners Rest, said Ballarat racecourse had become a major player in the Victorian racing industry.
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“This will consolidate employment, with about 200 people who work out there very day now,” he said.
“It is quite a big industry with a series of smaller industries making up the whole. This announcement will enhance that and I would expect that there will be more stables built.”
And he congratulated Ballarat Turf Club on their success.
“From a council perspective all congratulations to them for having the capacity to make a bid and win the money. We are pleased they are able to go to the next stage of development,” Cr Tillett said.
