Racing Industry

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (15:11): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Can the minister inform the house about some of the projects that are off and racing across South Australia as a result of the government's $24 million investment?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:11): Thank you very much to the member for Morphett. This is a good news story so, member for Morphett, why the long face? This is fantastic. You should be upbeat, like I am, because we are off and racing with the South Australian racing industry.

Despite the rumblings and negativities from those 'neigh-sayers' opposite, we are here to support the hardworking racing industry and establish and refresh the vitally important industry. On this side of the track, we are not a one-trick pony like they are on that side. No, the Marshall Liberal government is here to support jobs and we are getting racing galloping again. That's what we are here to do.

The racing industry knows that the Marshall Liberal government has a strong plan for real change and we are here to deliver more jobs, lower costs and better services. We know that the industry wants to saddle up with us; they want to get along for the ride. Those over there don't like it, but we are delivering for a very important industry.

Our government is injecting $24 million across the industry, and eight South Australian racetracks have had significant upgrades and this means jobs as well. The big-ticket item includes $500,000 going towards Morphettville to upgrade facilities there. As I said, that means jobs. That's in the member for Morphett's electorate as well, and a wonderful establishment. In Murray Bridge, the member for Hammond's electorate, a great electorate, there is plenty coming there. In Gawler, more than $600,000 is going towards a new equine pool and stabling. A big win for the member for Light—and you're welcome, member for Light—that there are plenty of things happening in your area as well.

The pool will also be available to a broader horse community and the Gawler racing club is in charge of its use. They will be financially assisted with the rent that they can charge there. This is wonderful news that we are delivering for the racing industry. Along with the half a million dollars that the state government is putting in, the SAJC is also putting in $1.7 million to Morphettville. Again, there are more jobs there, there is infrastructure being built and this is going to be absolutely outstanding. There will be 80 new horse boxes at the south-western corner of the course on Morphett Road. This will be a big win for everyone involved.

The Marshall Liberal government also knows that country racing and regional communities are vitally important and that's why we are putting $105,000 into refurbishing the Port Augusta Racing Club's unique dirt track in the member for Stuart's electorate. The Port Lincoln Racing Club, in the member for Flinders' electorate, and the Strathalbyn Racing Club, in the member for Heysen's electorate, are getting $400,000 and that's being used to build more stables on each site.

The trainers running our horses in Port Lincoln and Strathalbyn often find that there aren't enough stalls to accommodate their horses, so this will mean more runners in more races, and it is a great, great outcome. Strathalbyn will also redevelop the wash-down bays and provide a sand roll to upgrade the facilities, so we will get more trainers at clubs there as well.

There is also money also going into Clare, in the member for Frome's electorate, and at Oakbank, in the member for Kavel's electorate—more than $140,000 to upgrade their function spaces—again, giving them more input and more opportunities to generate funds. I am sure that we will see the member for Frome and the member for Kavel at events at these new function centres. I know they will jockey for an invite and some say they have 'colt' followings, and we know they are outstanding people in their communities.

As we fast approach the finish line, I am going to rein in my answer because it is sure to be past the bedtime of those opposite. We are injecting more horsepower into this industry. Unlike those opposite, who had an each-way bet, we are backing the industry for a win. We know we will grow jobs, we know we will build infrastructure—and that is good for South Australia.