Distribution and Industry Funding 2018/19
2 August, 2018
Industry
Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) has announced it will provide $157.4 million in direct funding to the Western Australian racing industry in 2018/19.
This represents an increase of $5.2 million in new funds to implement the framework which will drive delivery of the three racing code strategic plans.
A further $3 million in grants have been allocated in 2018/19 to complete the Pinjarra Harness Stalls project, purchase and install a new big screen at Ascot Racecourse and various other racing projects.
In addition, $1.45 million will be allocated to new digital marketing initiatives predominantly in the thoroughbred code to drive ownership and participation.
The overall increase in funding is made possible from the underlying performance of the WATAB together with growth in income from the WA Racing Bets Levy (Racefield Fees).
The newly formed RWWA Racing Committees have played an important role in determining the areas of funding priority for the three racing codes.
New Funding Areas 2018/19
Thoroughbreds
- $2.7M: Full year effect of stakes increases (announced in February 2018)
- $300K: Implementation of Westspeed Platinum for 3yo horses and increase to $15K for 2yo horses
- $600K: Ownership strategy and marketing
- $600K: Thoroughbred Racing marketing and branding
- $200K: Racing digital content strategy
Harness
- $960K: Implementation of New Business Model
Greyhounds
- $570K: Increase in trainers subsidy to $50
- $200K: Rehoming of retired animals through GAP and other agencies
- $50K: Racing digital content strategy
- $330K: WAGRA event fees, training and participant funding
RWWA CEO Richard Burt said distribution funding for 2018/19 will be increased to progressively implement the different priorities with each codes strategic plan.
“Traditional distribution areas including stakes funding, breeding schemes, rider and driver payments, event fees and subsidies benefiting clubs and investment in animal welfare initiatives for equine and greyhounds will continue to be supported,” said Mr Burt.
“Additional priorities for the 2018/19 racing season include the delivery of a digital content strategy and promotion of racing animal ownership and targeted marketing to promote racing.”
“Through reinvigorating ownership in WA we are aiming to address the often misinterpreted profile of owners and ownership, building awareness of the pathways to ownership and benefits involved in the overall experience that ownership delivers.”
“It was also acknowledged that there is a major need for immediate promotion of the WA racing product on a digital platform, therefore a broader content and social media strategy is required.”
“We continue to invest in the WA communities in which we operate to ensure sustainability of the racing industry and maintain our grassroots connection in regional and metropolitan locations state wide.”
“RWWA is focused on delivering further exposure of the WA racing product nationally to generate greater wagering returns which can then be reinvested back into the Western Australian racing industry via distribution.”
Distribution to the racing industry is sourced from profits from the WA TAB together with income from other Australian wagering operators betting on West Australian racing.
Harness stakes – Transitional tiered stakes table
Greyhound stakes comparisons – Sprint grades
Media Contact:
Russell Quinn, Manager Corporate Communications
D (08) 9445 5418 M 0403 322 097 E russell.quinn@rwwa.com.au