• $500,000 for grants to not-for-profit recreational horse organisations that have cancelled

PREMIER LAUNCHES SPRING RACING CARNIVAL

Premier John Brumby has announced $2.2 million in programs to reinforce measures to help keep Victoria free of Equine Influenza and protect the Spring Racing Carnival.
Making the announcement while launching the Spring Racing Carnival at Federation Square, Mr Brumby said the Victorian racing industry was worth more than $2 billion to the State’s economy and employed 70,000 people.

“The new measures are extra support for long-term initiatives to protect Victoria from Equine Influenza,” Mr Brumby said.
“The racing industry and the Spring Racing Carnival are important for Victoria and the rest of Australia, so it is important that government and industry do all that we can to guard against Equine Influenza coming to Victoria.”

Mr Brumby said Victoria had secured enough vaccines to inoculate all Victorian horses in training for the Spring Carnival, and an extra 130,000 doses of the vaccine were scheduled to arrive in Australia on Friday.

“Securing the vaccines does not mean we can let up on our vigilance and compliance. The risk of Equine Influenza hitting Victoria is still high. The Government and industry must keep up our efforts to ensure the Spring Carnival proceeds without being affected by Equine Influenza,” he said.

Mr Brumby said today’s $2.2 million package includes:

• $950,000 for an intensive public awareness campaign along the border with NSW, at Melbourne Airport and at Spring Racing Carnival venues;

• $500,000 for grants to not-for-profit recreational horse organisations that have cancelled events to help reduce the risk of EI entering Victoria;

• $350,000 for enhanced surveillance activity involving private practitioners testing for EI;

• $205,000 for improved diagnostic equipment to be used by DPI; and

• $200,000 to assist with improved compliance with border controls.

Mr Brumby said DPI had deployed round-the-clock border patrols at the Victoria/NSW border.
“These measures have helped ensure to date that Victoria remains EI-free despite the outbreak in NSW,” he said.

Mr Brumby said the new measures would also build on the success of existing activities and support the recreational groups that have been affected by the horse flu outbreak.
“Victoria’s recreational horse organisations have been extremely co-operative during the current outbreak, and have voluntarily cancelled all meetings to minimise the risks of spreading Equine Influenza.,” Mr Brumby said.

“This funding recognises the sacrifices these groups have made and guidelines for the grant program will be developed in conjunction with the industry.”

Surrounded by champions past and present, Mr Brumby said this year’s Spring Racing

Carnival, with the Melbourne Cup as the pinnacle, would definitely stop the nation.
“The Spring Racing Carnival is the largest social event on Victoria’s calendar and each year puts Melbourne on the international map, drawing thousands of interstate and overseas visitors,” he said.

“This year promises to be a fantastic spectacle, with strong country racing, a redeveloped Flemington Racecourse and a challenging international and local field of horses ready to take on spring racing in Victoria.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls said the 50 days of Spring Racing were set to attract massive crowds and strong interest across the country and overseas.
“Each year the Spring Racing Carnival delivers what Victorian racing is known for – quality competition and fantastic entertainment across the state,” he said.

“Last year the Spring Racing Carnival attracted a record 770,000 visitors and poured almost $630 million into the Victorian economy. It’s a vital part of the Victorian events landscape.”
Mr Hulls commended Racing Victoria Limited and the broader racing industry for their conscientious work in keeping Victoria equine influenza free.

“Whilst vaccinations are an added insurance to ensure the Carnival goes ahead, the fact is that border controls must continue and we must do everything that’s humanly possible to keep equine influenza out of this state," Mr Hulls said.