NEWS DESK
On track to be top spot for events MORNINGTON Racing Club has been given more than $2 million of state government money towards a $5m renovation of its grandstand. Once the refurbishment is finished, the club will have the “largest events centre on the peninsula”, according to Racing Minister Martin Pakula. The work includes renovating the grandstand’s ground floor “creating a new range of quality spaces for the race going public and club members on racedays”, Melbourne Racing Club CEO Brodie Arnhold said. Work is planned to be finished in time for the William Hill Peninsula Cup Day on 1 November. Mr Arnold said the “new spaces” would offer “luxury options” for non-raceday events, “positioning Mornington Racecourse as the new premium event destination on the Mornington Peninsula”. “In 2010 when we merged with Mornington Racing Club we made a commitment to invest in upgrading the facilities and it’s great to see these plans come to fruition with the support of the industry,” Mr Arnold said. “At Mornington Racecourse we strive to maintain our place as the best country track in Victoria and grow as a key peninsula tourist attraction.” The Racing Minister Martin Pakula said racing at Mornington provided a “spectacular day out”. “This $5 million refurbishment will make Mornington Racecourse the largest events centre on the peninsula, attracting even bigger crowds to its many race days throughout the season and providing the local community with an outstanding venue,” Mr Pakula said.
Art of racing: An artist’s impressions of the changes being made at Mornington Racecourse with $2 million from the state government and $3m of the club’s own money.
INTEREST
FREE PAYMENT PLANS FREE NO OBLIGATION
CONSULTATION
Mornington News 25 August 2015
MORNINGTON MP David Morris has slammed the state government’s announcement of $19,000 funding for Osborne Primary School as “insulting”. “Their announcement of a paltry $19,000 in additional funding has questionable motives,” he said. “I do welcome the $19,000: every dollar certainly puts the school closer to where it needs to be. But why is it only $19,000? Why did they not receive any funding from the budget? Mr Morris said the state Coalition before the election had committed $960,000 towards works at the school. “That is an astonishing 50 times what they have received,” he said. “If Labor had taken their time, listened and understood the needs of every school, they would have known the funding offered is simply insulting given the genuine need.” The “pittance offered will not even pay the planning costs for the work required”, he said.
Politics, wine, music
DIAMOND DENTURE STUDIO
PAGE 6
Offer ‘insulting’: MP
THE Mornington Peninsula branch of Australian Greens is holding a wine tasting and music fundraiser 11.30am6pm on Sunday 13 September at Hickinbotham’s of Dromana, 194 Nepean Highway, Dromana. Guest speaker will be Greens Prahran MP Sam Hibbins talking about the party and state parliament. Wine tasting for an hour at 11.30am. Cost of $25 includes finger food, raffle and two sets by Mama’s Mountain Jug Band (1-1.45pm and 2-6). RSVP by 6 September to Joe Lenzo, 0430 450 657 or australia9900@gmail.com