Matt Hewson
Geelong Greyhound Racing Club (GGRC) will receive $83,000 of state government funding to improve its racetrack facilities.
The grant will provide for a children’s play area and an outdoor deck to provide those with reduced mobility better access to the grandstand at the club’s Beckley Park track.
The funding was announced last Friday (April 5) as part of the first round of the Allan government’s Regional Customer Facilities Program, which will deliver $973,000 to country race clubs over four years.
GGRC manager Brian Parkinson said the club was “rapt” to have “finally got it over the line”.
“From our perspective it’s going to help facilitate a lot of what I call wasted space,” he said.
“We’ve got a broader plan, this is one part of it. We think it’s the first step and it’s fantastic.
“From the club’s perspective, for the community engagement side, we’ve got a function centre here that we’re trying to get people in the community to use.
Having launched the club’s application in November, Mr Parkinson said the project would kick off in earnest next month.
“Subject to weather and materials being available, the builders have indicated they’ll start probably in the first week of May,” he said.
“They’re looking at around an eight, ten week period (till completion).
“Then we’ve got the opportunity to consider things like having barbecue areas with seating and cover, and we’re exploring the idea of having, not necessarily a swimming pool, but a water play area for the kids.
“We want to get this place up and running and give people an opportunity to come and enjoy themselves, and not necessarily only when there’s racing on.”
Victoria’s Acting Minister for Racing Enver Erdogan said the Regional Customer Facilities Program was about bringing communities together and boosting local economic activity.
“We want to develop facilities that support participation and inclusion of the broader community in regional racing clubs,” he said.
“These grants will give regional communities and racegoers access to top notch facilities that go beyond race days and can be used for cultural events and community celebrations.”
“The racing industry in regional Victoria generates $1.17 billion for the Victorian economy and helps support 9000 full time equivalent jobs in the regions.”
