Regional Racetracks to Benefit from Flood Drainage Review
The Victorian Government will jointly fund a major project with Racing Victoria to carry out significant drainage investigations at six country racecourses.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said the government was committed to making sure racing remained safe at Victoria’s regional racetracks after the recent floods.
A number of race meetings in regional Victoria were either abandoned or transferred to other venues due to flood damage.
Dr Napthine said Racing Victoria will conduct drainage investigations at Kilmore, Morning, Sale, Seymour, Stony Creek and Cranbourne to determine if the existing drainage system and racing surfaces have been compromised.
“These six regional racecourses are an important part of Victorian racing and ensuring they are continually safe and race-ready is paramount,” he said.
“While there is no current indication of damage to the drainage at these courses, the government and the racing industry do not want to take chances with the safety and integrity of the tracks.”
The government has already funded works to repair flood damage at Benalla, Moe and Kyneton, in conjunction with Racing Victoria.
Work involved in the investigation include:
- research to understand existing drainage and track conditions
- on-site tack drainage assessments with club staff
- random probing of sub-soil drain lines
- a full examination of each track using Ground Penetrating Radar
- CCTV investigations of all main drains
- excavation of drains to check method of pipe joints
Dr Napthine said the racing industry was vital to regional economies and local communities.