WA election 2025: Racing industry blindsided by lack of funding promises as country clubs face closure

Labor’s regional WA headaches are set to worsen, with racing clubs across the State lashing out over the Government’s failure to commit any money to tracks in dire states of disrepair. As the election campaign enters its final days, racing clubs across the State were informed on Monday an anticipated critical infrastructure upgrade fund, worth up to $30 million, was not going to be announced by Labor. The delay in funding even prompted the Government’s own racing regulator to call for more investment in clubs. Despite the Government facing tight races in regional seats across the State, including in Albany, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton, where racing employs thousands of locals, no racing upgrades have been announced. The sole commitment to racing — a $261,000 grant to Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club to cover additional water costs — was made before the official campaign period as a decision of government. The decision is set to see the racing industry discuss coordinated action to secure a last-minute deal from Labor to save regional race clubs. In a statement, a RWWA spokesman said many clubs across WA, mostly in regional areas, needed critical funds for infrastructure projects. “Investment in these projects is essential to maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring the industry’s sustainability,” the spokesman said. “Without this support, clubs will face increasing challenges to operate long-term.” Pinjarra Race Club chief executive Phil Ibbotson told The West the industry had received a briefing from government body Racing and Wagering WA on Monday, where clubs were told no money was coming from Labor for critical infrastructure works. Mr Ibbotson said there was an estimated $150 million in infrastructure upgrades across the State needed to shore up the industry, which is worth more than $1 billion to WA’s economy. “It’s only really maintenance and keeping OHS issues and keeping the industry safe, basically, and replacing facilities that are 50 to 80 years old. “RWWA, who is the governing body and who is supposed to be managing and funding our industry have told us that they have no money to do any infrastructure works. “If there was a major issue at any particular club, say, the irrigation went down, it would now be up to the club to fix that, because RWWA has no money to fix it.” Western Australian Provincial Thoroughbred Racing Association chairman Alex Doble said Labor had turned its back on WA racing, with smaller clubs likely to be forced to close as a result of no new funds. “We’ve sort of been left to fend for ourselves. Race clubs generate close to $1.3 billion annually for the WA economy, and without investment, race clubs will be forced to reduce operations or shut down completely, which no one wants,” he said. “There was some work behind the scenes where potentially, clubs were looking at an infrastructure fund with a contribution from the government. We just feel like that’s not forthcoming, so we’re in a bit of a hole here. “Other industries have received critical infrastructure investment, why is racing — one of WA’s biggest regional employers — being ignored.” Racing Minister Paul Papalia confirmed RWWA had been asked to put together a proposal for a range of infrastructure upgrades across the State. “We’re still in an election campaign, the election’s on March 8 there’ll be announcements with regard to elections right up until that time,” he said. “WA Labor and our government backed great the racing industry right across the State. “They can look forward to us supporting them, and the thousands of jobs they provide and the support they provide, particularly in enhancing community and providing tourism attractions in the regions.”