Cash eases drain pain

RACING Victoria (RV) will carry out significant drainage investigations at Cranbourne racecourse following the flooding weather in recent months.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich announced a $280,000 major project with RV to carry out the investigations at six racecourses including Cranbourne.
“This funding will enable Racing Victoria to conduct drainage investigations at Cranbourne to determine if the existing drainage systems and racing surfaces have been compromised by the high rainfall over the summer and if further works are required,” Ms Peulich said.
“The Cranbourne racecourse is an important part of Victorian racing, particularly its training facilities and ensuring it is continually safe and race-ready is paramount.
“While there is no current indication of damage to the drainage at the course, the Coalition Government and the racing industry do not want to take chances with the safety and integrity of the track.
“The racing industry is absolutely vital to regional economies and local communities.”
RV chief operating officer Bernard Saundry said the State Government’s support would enable investigators to make use of state-of-the-art technology to conduct drainage inspections and ensure the integrity of tracks would not be compromised in the future.
“Extensive flooding has seriously impacted a number of racetracks throughout the state and placed unprecedented pressure on their drainage systems,” Mr Saundry said.
“As a result of these weather impacts Racing Victoria with the support of Country Racing Victoria has undertaken an audit of course proper drainage systems across the state.”