WA election 2025: Alan Smith says Labor’s decision against infrastructure fund leaves racing’s future in air

Albany Racing Club has lashed a decision by Labor to not deliver a critical infrastructure fund worth up to $30 million, that is essential in shoring up the long-term future of clubs around WA. As the State election draws closer, racing clubs around WA were told on Monday that the anticipated funding was not going to be announced by Labor. That funding is critical to ongoing works on ageing facilities, including tracks and buildings, at various venues in the State. Albany Racing Club spokesman Alan Smith, who is seeking re-election as club president at a special general meeting on March 6, said the move cast serious doubt on the future sustainability of regional clubs. “It has left us in a quandary as to what is going to happen,” Mr Smith said. “This decision by Government makes it very difficult. The funding was getting things upgraded and it was reported we were going to get some of this money and now we are going to be left in the lurch. “Every club is in the same boat, Pingrup and Kojonup, we all need money to survive and build up infrastructure that is getting run down. “How we do that? I don’t know other than government support. “Racing clubs are important parts of towns and small communities, it creates a lot of jobs and we expect to get a little bit of government support. “It’s a massive hit for the industry.” Albany is one of several clubs in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt affected by this decision including Mt Barker Turf Club, Albany Harness Racing Club, Pingrup Race Club, Kojonup Race Club and Narrogin Racing. Mr Smith said Albany’s Percy Spencer Racecourse had a number of issues that need immediate works. “We have got WorkSafe issues and compliance issues with our buildings,” he said. “We were supposed to be getting $5 million for a track upgrade but that’s been put on the backburner. “The reticulation system on our track is 20 years old and needs a major upgrade, that is what will stop us racing in the future. “Our ageing infrastructure is a concern . . . the kitchen can no longer be used, the dome building is now non-compliant and our winners bar hasn’t been used all year and has to be pulled down.” Mr Smith was frustrated by the timing of the announcement, as the March 8 election nears. “We are disappointed, I know after the election we won’t get any (funding) so the next four years are going to be tough if we don’t get something,” Mr Smith said. “We will be consulting with all members of Parliament and sending them letters to try and get them to offer something. “Little country clubs are the ones that are going to suffer the most. “We’ve been racing 160 years in Albany and if we fail and the club falls over it’s a big negative for the industry.” WA Labor responded by saying that further election commitments can still be announced. “WA Labor backs the WA racing industry and we know the regional racing clubs are the heart and soul of the industry across WA,” a spokesperson said. “Premier Roger Cook recently stepped in to save the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club’s 2025 season and we continue to support our racing clubs across the State. “The election campaign is ongoing, all election commitments will be announced ahead of March 8.”