Equine Preceint Press Release

Media release The Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP Minister for Ports Minister for Regional Cities Minister for Racing Minister for Major Projects Wednesday 5 December 2012

Planning change a boost for Ballarat equine industry In a further boost to the Ballarat economy, the Victorian Coalition Government has approved planning scheme amendments to protect and encourage horse training establishments in the Dowling Forest Racecourse Precinct.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said the gazettal of Ballarat Planning Scheme Amendment C149 gave full recognition to and encouraged the use and development of the Dowling Forest Racecourse and surrounding land as a horse training facility.

“The Coalition Government is pleased to support this planning amendment request which was put forward by the City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Turf Club,” Dr Napthine said.

“This planning scheme amendment will enable the racecourse and adjacent areas to further develop as a training precinct by providing suitably zoned land to accommodate horse trainers and ensure the precinct is not jeopardised by conflicting land uses into the future.

“This planning initiative recognises that thoroughbred racing is worth more than 700 jobs to the Ballarat region and in excess of $70 million annually to the local economy.

“The Coalition Government has a clear plan to drive jobs growth in Ballarat. We have previously endorsed planning scheme amendments to allow for the expansion of the Ballarat University Technology Park and the creation of the Ballarat West employment and associated residential growth zones.

“This latest announcement will facilitate another hub for jobs and economic activity at Dowling Forest which will be attractive for a range of equine-related businesses,” Dr Napthine said.

Chief Executive Office for the Ballarat Turf Club Lachlan McKenzie said the planning amendment was a fillip for the club and local racing industry.

“Ballarat Turf Club welcomes the gazettal of Ballarat Planning Scheme Amendment C149.

Ballarat racecourse is one of Victoria’s premier thoroughbred training establishments. This announcement effectively secures the future of that status,” Mr McKenzie said.

Dr Napthine said Ballarat’s impressive reputation as a major regional equine centre continued to grow rapidly. …/2 Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news

-2“Ballarat is the busiest training centre outside Melbourne with 56 trainers operating out of the Dowling Forest racecourse,” Dr Napthine said.

“Many prominent and highly successful training operations are now either fully or partly based out of Ballarat, including Darren Weir, Malua Racing, Aquanita Racing and Jim Mason among others. These trainers are all growing their operations at Ballarat.

“With recent and future investment by the Coalition Government, the club and the industry, there is capacity to accommodate more trainers and horses and, with that, bring more jobs to Ballarat.

“The location of the facility, combined with availability of adjacent freehold land and first class training facilities including the new uphill training track, provides opportunity for growth,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine commended the Ballarat Turf Club and the City of Ballarat on their input into this important planning initiative and their broader recognition of the importance of the racing industry to Ballarat and its economy.

Media contact:

Mark Lee 0408 547 381 mark.lee@minstaff.vic.gov.au

Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news