Racing Minister Martin Pakula was in Ballarat to announce the investment from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, which is part of a $10 million joint funding package with Racing Victoria.

“This major investment in a new synthetic track will ensure Ballarat remains one of Victoria’s leading racing and training centres,” Mr Pakula said.

“The government is getting on and delivering a new all-weather synthetic track to reduce stress on the turf track, especially during winter months, and provide even greater certainty for the racing industry.” 

The new all-weather track will reduce stress on the turf track with works expected to start in the coming weeks and is due for completion in May 2019.

There will also be $20,000 from the club and Racing Victoria invested to upgrade the jockey’s room at the Ballarat Turf Club, which will include new furniture, scales and flooring.

Labor is also investing $29,000 towards the Ballarat Cup, which will feature a day of entertainment in late November, including a range of live acts and DJs and a new precinct known as the Yard, which will feature food trucks and drinks from the Sam Miranda Spritz Bar.

The club is contributing more than $40,000 to the race day, while Country Racing Victoria is providing more than $16,000.

The Central Highlands’ racing industry generates more than $96 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 950 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.