31 Oct 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) The sand training track at Benalla Racing Club will get an upgrade after the Victorian Government green-lit $125 000 in funding. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes and Labor candidate for Euroa Fionna Deppeler-Morton visited the club on Monday to make the announcement. The government is investing in major track upgrades at Benalla Racecourse to help boost the number of trainers who use the facility and the safety of jockeys, as part of our investment in country racing across the state, Ms Symes said. Were investing in summer racing events at Benalla because they help attract tourists to the region and provide hundreds of local jobs. The state government is providing $125 000 from the Victorian Racing Industry e Fund as part of a $300 000 joint funding package. The upgrades include a new irrigation y system and a new plinth will be installed around the edge of the track, as well as a , fresh sand cover. The works are expected to begin in January, supporting 10 local jobs during construction. Racing Victoria is contributing $100 000 towards the track works and the Benalla, Racing Club is providing $75 000. The state government is also providing almost $35 000 from its Raceday Attraction Program to support three key race meetings at Benalla as part of Country Racing Victorias 2018-19 Summer of Racing campaign. Kicking off with the 2018 Christmas Races on Saturday, December 22, racegoers will be treated to a two-for-one general admission ticket offer, live music, free childrens activitties and complimentary shuttle busses between Benalla Town Centre and the racecourse. The 2019 Farmers and Kids Day Out on Sunday, January 20, will include a dedicated d Farmers Marquee, discounted dining packages and performances from the Wild Action Zoo Team. The Euroa Cup race meeting on Sunday, March 17, will provide a relaxed family friendly event with live music by talented local musicians, free childrens entertaina ment including a jumping castle, face paints ing and pony rides. The racing industry in the Goulburn region s alone generates more then $227 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 2240 full-time equivalent jobs locally.