Tender documents have been re-issued for the redevelopment of the Bunbury racecourse.
Racing and Wagering WA Board announced on October 27 that they have approved the re-issuing of the tender after plans were halted due to COVID-19 pandemic.
In December 2019, the board in principle approved the proposed works for the Bunbury Racecourse.
However, shortly after the closure date for tender submissions, the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic was escalated.
To mitigate the risk of declining income and ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Western Australian racing industry due to COVID-19, RWWA made the decision to pause all non-essential projects.
The project will include upgrades to the grass track, as well as the development of an all-weather trial and training track, to enable racing and training all year round and as a result facilitate additional race meetings in the longer term.
The redevelopment will also include the construction of new horse stalls.
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RWWA acting chief executive officer Ian Edwards said the industry was fortunate to continue racing, which has enabled the association to maintain a strong financial position, and as result resume with the proposed redevelopment of the Bunbury Racecourse.
"The hard work and commitment by our racing industry to ensure the continuation of racing has allowed the business to continue with its plans for the project," Mr Edwards said.
"Not only will this project assist in building a bright future for the Western Australian racing industry, it will also provide important economic benefits to the local community."
"A recent economic study of the project revealed that by FY2029 the project will produce $36.2 million in direct expenditure for the local region each year as well as sustain 253 full-time-equivalent roles."
"Following the evaluation of the tender submissions a business case will be presented to the RWWA Board for final approval in order to commence with the project."
Subject to final approval by the RWWA Board, it is anticipated that construction for the project will start in April 2021.
Racing and Wagering WA predict the economic benefits of the project would include:
- 292 additional horses in training at Bunbury Racecourse.
- 253 full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs generated by the project (uplift in 87), with an additional 67 FTE's being created by the once-off construction component.
- $8.8 million total export value (or new money generated for the Bunbury economy) per annum, with a $37.5 million cumulative economic uplift over the eight-year period.
- $33.7 million in total value-added contribution generated by the new development at Bunbury racecourse (uplift of $11.6 million), with a $62.9 million cumulative economic uplift over the eight-year period.
- $36.2 million in total direct expenditure generated by training, raceday related and wagering activities conducted at the Bunbury Racecourse per annum (uplift of $12.5 million), with a $53.4 million cumulative economic uplift over the eight-year period.