Iemma Government Relief and Recovery Package for Racing Industry

02 Oct 2007
The Iemma Government will provide an additional $7.5 million in direct assistance to the stricken NSW racing industry to help it recover from the effects of the devastating Equine Influenza outbreak, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald and Gaming and Racing Minister Graham West said today.

Minister Macdonald said the Relief and Recovery Package would come on top of the estimated $8.3 million the Iemma Government would spend on containing and eradicating horse flu.
“The State Government is coming to the aid of the racing and equestrian industries as investigations into how the exotic disease slipped through Federal quarantine continued,” he said.

Minister West said the package demonstrates further support for the recovery of horse racing industry.
Key details of the Assistance Package are:

$3.5 million in New Industry Assistance to ensure the ongoing viability of the Thoroughbred and Harness Racing industries. The fund will be allocated following submissions from Racing NSW ($2.5 million) and Harness Racing NSW ($1million)

$1.2 million in grants of up to $2000 per household for eligible workers in the racing industry such as stable hands, strappers and others.

$2 million in unclaimed Keno prize money to be used to establish a Capital Grants Program to help regional and rural race clubs across all three codes.

$500,000 to the Greyhound Racing Industry in recognition of its carrying the bulk of racing during the crisis.

$300,000 to the NSW Equestrian industry to help stage a series of major events.
Minister Macdonald said the new package was on top of the $525,000 Horse Industry Promotion and the special mortgage assistance program ($12,000 per loan) already announced by the Government.

“This assistance package will help alleviate some of the damage caused by the horse flu outbreak while also investing in the long term future of racing in NSW,” Minister Macdonald said.

“The Iemma Government has worked hard with the industry to put together a package which helps those most affected by the horse flu outbreak through no fault of their own.”

Minister West said the package will provide for industry assistance and maintaining employment in areas not currently covered by the Federal Government package.

“This package will ensure ongoing employment by helping all those who depend on the industry for their livelihoods – for example stable hands and strappers.”

Mr West said the $1.2 million in grants would further assist families most affected by this crisis.
“This is a one-off payment for those that are doing it tough,” he said.

“The Government will provide a one-off payment per household of up to $2000 for people who are directly dependent on the racing industry – for example a track work rider or strapper – and who have insufficient income or cash reserves to get them through this crisis. It will be administered through the Department of Community Services.

“I have also approved the release of $2 million in unclaimed Keno prize money for capital works to help all three racing codes in regional and rural areas.

“The EI crisis has had a terrible impact on many of these clubs and grants of up to $100,000 will now be made available for new capital works projects – improved amenities will hopefully see a bigger turn out for race meets in the bush.”

Minister Macdonald said that while horse owners from Moonbi and near Parkes were being allowed to return to homes in the red and purple zones of NSW today the crisis was far from over.

“I think it’s important to note that while we have worked to contain this disease the Government has also spent about a million a week on stopping the spread of EI,” said Minister Macdonald.

“We have more than 28,000 horses infected on more than 3,100 properties in NSW,” he said.
“Over the Long Weekend we saw the Government initiate the first round in its vaccination program, with another 130,000 shots to arrive in Australia in a week’s time.

“While the State Government works to contain this disease, the Federal Government should be focusing on just how it let the disease get into NSW for the first time.

“I also note the Federal Government Assistance Package will run out on November 16 – I would urge the Howard Government to extend its assistance as a matter of urgency.”