State Government to provide emergency funds to Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club so 2025 season can go ahead

The State Government will provide emergency funding to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club to save the 2025 race season in the Goldfields. Premier Roger Cook will be in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Thursday to announce a $261,000 grant to the club to cover additional water costs for the 2025 season while discussions continue about supply issues between it and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. It emerged late last year the city’s 1.7 gigalitre a year contract with Lynas Rare Earths to supply recycled water to the mining company’s West Kalgoorlie processing facility meant there would be problems providing water to the racing club for the 2025 season. The issue has since evolved into a dispute between the city and the club about the price of the water the former can provide to the latter, with the club baulking at paying $2.50/kilolitre. While this issue is not directly related to the State Government, it has decided to intervene to ensure the racing season, including the iconic Race Round, can continue this year. The grant is intended to give the club and city more time to resolve their dispute. Having the season go ahead also means the $1 million Golden Saddle slot race Mr Cook announced at last year’s Kalgoorlie Cup meeting, which is planned for the next three years starting at this year’s cup meeting, can go ahead. Mr Cook said racing was an important part of living in the regions and the industry helped to support regional economies. “My WA Labor Government is stepping in to fix this issue and make sure the races run this year,” he said. “I want to thank (Kalgoorlie MLA) Ali Kent for her strong advocacy to save the Kalgoorlie races, and for her commitment to always doing what’s right for her local community.” Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the grant was a win for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community and the State’s racing industry. “Regional racing helps sustain local jobs, drive tourism and strengthen the local economy,” he said. “And this gives all players the next 12 months to sort this matter out and secure the future of racing in the Goldfields.” Ms Kent said the racing industry was not only an important part of the Goldfields economy, but it was also an important part of the region’s history. “This means racing can go ahead in 2025 and gives the race club and the council time to work this out ahead of the 2026 season,” she said. “I’ve been working hard with both the club and the council on this issue and will continue to do so until a long term resolution is agreed.”