The future of the Werribee Racing Club has been guaranteed by Victorian Premier and Racing Minister Denis Napthine in the midst of the shock resignation of its chief executive.
In an exclusive interview with Star Weekly, Dr Napthine said the addition of the international quarantine centre meant that the grounds of the club would not be turned into another housing estate.
“Having that quarantine centre has guaranteed the future of the racecourse,” he said.
“There were some threats under the previous government about closing the actual racecourse down.”
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The Werribee Racing Club has had its fair share of setbacks, from cancelled race meetings because of an unsafe track through to an unexpected storm in December, 2011, that caused serious damage to several buildings.
In August, 2012, Racing Victoria launched an investigation after it was revealed asbestos had been found in some of the older buildings at the club.
Dr Napthine said the only hurdles facing the club in the future would be ones used for steeplechases.
“While there have been problems with the track, they’ve largely now been resolved so we see a very important future at Werribee as a racing centre as well,” he said.
“There will be ongoing regular race meetings there.”
When directly asked if the long-term survival of the Werribee Racing Club could be guaranteed, he said: “Yes, you can guarantee it because we need the quarantine centre”.
Dr Napthine’s guarantee came as club chief executive Ross Kendell announced his immediate resignation last week.
The previous state government has spent $5 million upgrading the track surface and drainage.
