State government tax cuts provide extra prize money
MOREE, Inverell and Armidale Racing Clubs will receive a major boost in prize money thanks to the State Government’s legislation to match NSW’s wagering tax rates with Victoria’s, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall visited the Moree Race Club yesterday to meet with committee members discuss the benefits of the changes to the club and country racing.
The MP said every TAB race at Moree, Inverell and Armidale would have the minimum prize money offered per race increased by $5,000 to $20,000 from July next year.
“This will mean more jobs, larger crowds and help to grow our local racing industry,” Mr Marshall said.
“Racing is an important part of many communities across the Northern Tablelands – everyone loves to get to the races and enjoy a great day out socialising and having fun.
“Local trainers, jockeys, owners and punters have been crying out for increased prize money to invigorate the industry and the benefits will flow to the whole community.”
Mr Marshall said the increased prize money at Moree, Inverell and Armidale was part of a $21 million state-wide package to boost country and provincial racing.
“In addition to the increased prize money at regular TAB meetings, approximately 40 Country Showcase meetings will be held at regular intervals across regional NSW offering a minimum $30,000 in prize money,” Mr Marshall said.
“Racing NSW has recognised the huge contribution that regional NSW makes to the racing industry so I would like to thank Chairman John Messara, the Board and CEO Peter V’landys for delivering this much needed boost to country racing.”
Legislation to match NSW wagering tax rates with Victoria passed NSW Parliament last week, delivering $235 million extra to the industry over five years and an extra $90 million for each year after that.