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Living Country Racing Program

The Living Country Racing initiative is designed to assist with the upgrade and improvement of facilities at thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing venues located in regional Victoria.

Funding priorities

Priority is given to projects that have a demonstrable community benefit. Projects requesting recurrent funding are not considered.

Available funds

Grants are one off payments of up to $30,000 and are provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Funding of $400,000 was available in 2009-10.

Payment of grants is based upon the actual costs of the project which may include cash and in-kind contributions from racing clubs, local councils and community groups.

Application form

Applicants can complete and return the 'Application for Funding' form, with any attachments, to the Office of Racing. The application form also includes guidelines for funding and details of any attachments required.

Application assessment

The preliminary assessment is made by the relevant controlling body who assesses the projects and provides comment on the following areas:

• if the project meets industry specifications and standards
• the appropriateness of the budget
• contributions from the controlling body, racing clubs and other parties
• the relation of the priority and the importance of the project.

A full assessment is completed by the Office of Racing. Recommendations are then made to the Minister for Racing about the following:

• the net benefit to the local community and the racing industry
• cash and in kind commitment from funding partners, racing authorities, community and sporting groups
• the adequacy of consultation and the democratic fairness of the decision-making process
• the capacity of the applicant to finance the project from other sources
• the demonstrated capacity to complete the projects in a timely manner.

 

Who does this apply to?	Thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing clubs and committees in regional Victoria.
Who provides this service?	Office of Gaming and Racing
Who is eligible?	Thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing clubs and the committees of management or local councils that manage or own their racing venues in Regional Victoria where racing is authorised under the Racing Act 1958. The individual racing clubs must be located in Regional Victoria as defined under Section 3(a) of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Act 1999, or located within: - Cardinia Shire Council - Casey City Council - Hume City Council - Melton Shire Council - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - Nillumbik Shire Council - Whittlesea City Council - Wyndham City Council - Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
What are the costs, if any?	There are no costs for Living Country Racing Program applications
What are the key dates or times?	Applications for 2010 to be advised