Almost off and racing again in Mount Gambier

• New all-weather race track in Mount Gambier progressing well

• Business plan also developed to ensure viability of Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum

• Another Coalition Government investment of over $1.5 million in Mount Gambier

The Mount Gambier region is getting ready for a major boost with the delivery of a strategic plan for the SA Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum, and the Mount Gambier All Weather Race Track nearing completion.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the two projects were funded under the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

“The upgrade of Mount Gambier’s race track is progressing well and set to create 12 jobs during construction and an expected 24 ongoing roles, which means more families in the city spending more, investing more and driving more jobs and confidence in regional South Australia,” Dr McVeigh said.

“The strategic plan for the SA Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum in Naracoorte will celebrate the contributions South Australians have made over many years to one of the state’s best-known public institutions.”

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Keith Pitt, who inspected both projects today, said the creation of an all-weather race track would allow more races to be held over a longer Mount Gambier racing season.

“The upgrades have included earthworks, stormwater drainage system improvements and the replacement of the track surface to support events being held in all conditions,” Mr Pitt said.

“A longer race season means a healthier racing industry, which will not only contribute to the regional economy but will also help South Australia’s thoroughbred racing industry to grow.”

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the business plan for the SA Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum was an investment in the region’s history.

“By developing a 10-year vision for this new museum, including marketing and funding strategies, we have committed to showcasing the major contributions volunteer fire fighters have made to South Australia,” Mr Pasin said.

“The report will be used as a roadmap to guide community collaboration on establishing the museum.”

The Mount Gambier All Weather Race Track project is jointly funded with the Coalition Government investing $1,500,000 and Thoroughbred Racing SA $1,684,625.

The SA Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum Strategic Business Plan 2017-2027 project is jointly funded with the Coalition Government investing $18,750 and SA Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum $500.

Mr Pasin also took Assistant Minister Pitt to inspect Ryder-Cheshire House at Mount Gambier, which is building a second home after receiving funding through the BBRF Round two.

“Ryder-Cheshire House plays a vital role in our community providing support to those living with a disability and it is great to see them able to extend their support to another five local people thanks to the $537,000 BBRF contribution to the $1.2 million cost of the project,” Mr Pasin said