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41.
Minister Launches Victorian Industry Study
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18/04/2002 |
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Victorian Racing Minister Rod Hulls has launched a strategic research study into thoroughbred breeding in Victoria.
The study is the first stage of the development of a comprehensive long-term plan by Thoroughbred Breeding Victoria that will be partly supported by funding from the Bracks' Government's Enterprise Improvement Program.
Hulls said the study, to be undertaken by economic consultants Sinclair Knight Merz, would analyse the breeding sector and document its value to the economy and community.
"The thoroughbred breeding sector generates tremendous direct economic and employment value to Victoria, while creating positive flow-on effects for the Victorian racing industry through increased ownership and increased size and quality of race fields," Hulls said.
"This industry clearly has a number of competitive strengths and there is scope to promote these strengths further and increase the patronage of Victorian studs and breeding farms."
The goals of the TBV five-year strategic plan include:
* Increase the quality and number of top local and international stallions in Victoria;
* Attract long-term international capital into the Victorian breeding industry;
* Utilise funds from the Stud Book to establish Victoria as a centre for research and development for the thoroughbred industry
* Change the image of the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sales, ensuring major yearling buyers have a visible presence.
The thoroughbred breeding and racing industries inject $1.2 billion into Victoria's economy, directly creating over 30,000 jobs and attracting more than 100,000 tourists each year to carnival events.
"Racing is more than a sport in Victoria,” Hulls said.
“That's why the Bracks' Government is committed to advancing the long-term viability of racing in this state and maintaining its position as Australia's number one racing industry.
"I am very impressed with the commitment of Thoroughbred Breeding Victoria and Racing Victoria Ltd to advancing the Victorian thoroughbred breeding sector and I look forward to working with them in achieving this aim."
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