03 Oct 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Labors candidate for Euroa, Fionna Deppeler-Morton and State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes have announced a re-elected Labor state government would match funding up to $150 000 to redevelop Benalla Racing Club. The plan is for the funding to be used to to build a new amenities block and install a commercial kitchen in the members lounge. The announcement was made at the Benalla Gold Cup on Friday. Ms Deppeler-Morton said the funding announcement was the result of Labor liaising with members of the racing club as well as local people. Labor has listened to the club and locals who attend the races and other events at the race club, Ms Deppeler-Morton said. Im proud to be able to provide a commitment to replace the very dated amenities block and provide a commercial kitchen, so the club can grow and accommodate events and functions for the town of Benalla. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said supporting the Benalla Racing Club was important to a small town like Benalla. The Benalla Gold Cup is a great chance for racegoers and their families to enjoy a day of quality entertainment and fantastic racing on the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday, Ms Symes said. Were investing in country racing events like the Benalla Gold Cup, because we know how important they are for our communities. Benalla Racing Club general manager Cameron Symes thanked the state government for the commitment. Were so appreciative of the governments support for this key date on our racing calendar, Mr Symes said. We welcome visitors and locals from around the region to come along and enjoy this fantastic day of racing and entertainment on the grand final long weekend. The Benalla Gold Cup forms part of Country Racing Victorias 2018 Spring Campaign comprising 52 feature race meetings and 27 country cups across regional Victoria between September 22 and November 25. However, this upgrade will support many events besides the Gold Cup. Since 2014, the state government has provided more than $492 000 to support seven racing events and nine infrastructure projects at Benalla. The racing industry in the Goulburn region generates more than $227 million for the Victorian economy every year and helps sustain more than 2240 full-time equivalent jobs locally.