03 June 2011
The Victorian Coalition Government has announced a $280,000 major project with Racing Victoria to carry out significant drainage investigations at six country racecourses including the Mornington racetrack.
State Member for Mornington David Morris said the Coalition Government was committed to ensuring that racing was conducted safely at Mornington racecourse after the flooding weather in recent months.
“This funding will enable Racing Victoria to conduct drainage investigations at Mornington 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,” Mr Morris said.
“The Mornington racecourse is an important part of Victorian racing and ensuring it is continually safe and race-ready is paramount.
“In 2011/12, 22 race meetings will be conducted at Mornington including three meetings classified as metropolitan meetings. In addition, Mornington produces over 4,000 starters, the third highest in the state.
“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.
“A number of race meetings in regional Victoria, though thankfully not at Mornington, were either abandoned or transferred to other venues as a result of flood damage in recent months.
“The racing industry is absolutely vital to regional economies and local communities. The Coalition Government is committed to protecting the infrastructure that supports country racing.”
Racing Victoria Chief Operating Officer Bernard Saundry said the Coalition 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.”
The Coalition Government has committed $140,000 towards the investigation, with Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria jointly contributing a further $140,000.
Works involved in the investigations include:
- research to understand existing drainage and track conditions;
- on-site track drainage assessments with club staff;
- random probing of subsoil drain lines;
- a full examination of each track using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR);
- CCTV investigations of all main drains;
- excavate and expose drains to check method of pipe joints; and
- reinstatement of track after excavating holes.
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