Major infrastructure boost for Albany Race Club, Waldron
Author: Terry Waldron
Published on: 12-July-2011
The Albany Race Club will receive a major infrastructure upgrade following a State Government grant of $413,560.
Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said the grant would help fund building of long overdue administration, steward and jockeys’ rooms at Albany Racecourse.
The remainder of the $704,000 project will be funded with the assistance of a $220,000 grant provided by the Great Southern Development Commission under the Royalties for Regions program, and $70,440 by the club itself through a sponsorship arrangement negotiated with its project contractor, Country Builders.
“This grant from the Racecourse Infrastructure Grants Program has been made because the current facility had reached the end of its effective life and now fails to comply with industry standards, particularly in the area of occupational health and safety,” Mr Waldron said.
“The new building will be energy-efficient and single-storey similar to those at Geraldton and Northam race clubs.”
The new facility will include:
· general administration and reception space
· stewards’ room, which will also serve as a general purpose meeting room
· jockey changing rooms and common room
· first aid room
· disabled toilet
· audio-visual control room.
It will also incorporate rainwater harvesting, the latest in energy-saving devices and use timber sourced from renewable plantations. It is due for completion by October 31, 2011.
“This will enable the Albany Race Club to open the new facility for the start of the 2011-12 season in November 2011,” the Minister said.
“However, the principal outcome of this funding is that the club can continue to function as a racing venue, training centre and workplace.”
