Woodhams condemns RWWA Rejection of Geraldton Harness Racing
Author: Grant Woodhams
Published on: 19-August-2010
Grant Woodhams MLA Member for Moore and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly has condemned the decision by Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) to cancel the licence of the Geraldton Harness Racing Club (GHRC). The club held its last race meeting, The Geraldton Cup on 25 July.
“I am very concerned that the cancellation of the GHRC licence will be just the first in a push by RWWA to centralise the sport to venues in the metropolitan area, spelling the end of country harness racing.” Mr Woodhams said.
The GHRC was put on notice after the RWWA board accepted the recommendations of the Harness Strategic Review to reduce the volume of harness racing in WA.
“The Geraldton Harness Racing Club has worked extremely hard over the last few years to create a viable racing environment. It has the demonstrated support of the co-located Geraldton Turf Club and provides a valuable community facility to the broader community of the Mid West.” Mr Woodhams said.
“The GHRC have clearly demonstrated that they have met key criteria put forward by RWWA themselves in their vision for going forward; regional growth, infrastructure costs, through shared facilities arrangement with Geraldton Turf Club and access to SKY coverage, also through the Geraldton Turf Club.” Mr Woodhams said.
“The Mid West region is on the cusp of major growth, with increases in population and business opportunities, meaning that the GHRC and harness racing in the region will receive increased and significant support.” Mr Woodhams said.
“I will also continue to advocate on behalf of the GHRC to the Committee on the Review of the Racing and Wagering Western Australia Acts.”
The Committee was established in September 2009 and part of the committee’s terms of reference is to look into the effectiveness of the operations of RWWA and the need for the continuation of the operations of RWWA.
The committee is due to report to Parliament on 15 October 2010.
