Expansion ahead for Victoria

Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine hopes to expand Victoria’s breeding industry if he is re-elected in Saturday’s State Election.

Dr Napthine, who is also the Victorian Racing Minister, revealed his desire to grow the industry by up to 30% over the next four years.  “One of the things that I want to particularly target is the breeding industries,” he said. “We need through our VOBIS Gold, through VOBIS and Vicbred Platinum to grow our breeding industry.

“It will create hundreds of jobs in regional Victoria and really boost our opportunities.  And when you see the races these days, regularly you see Victorian-bred horses continually winning and winning those VOBIS bonuses and those VOBIS Gold bonuses.

“There’s never been a better time to breed, buy or race a Victorian-bred horse.  VOBIS Gold is the envy of other states and territories.”

Dr Napthine (pictured with Black Caviar) also hailed the trade agreement signed by the Federal Government last week with China as a development that could prove beneficial to Victoria breeders.  “We’ve done a lot of work with the Federal Government in terms of opportunities for our stock that are bred here, to go overseas where there’s good market growth.

“We’re also promoting our local breeding establishments and I, as Minister and as Premier, have been on the front foot, being involved in promoting our stallions, promoting our breeding establishments here in Victoria and we will continue to do that.

“We’re seeing great results, as we’re seeing better-quality stallions being here in Victoria and we’re seeing them being retained.  Often in the past, if a stallion had a couple of good seasons, they would be whisked off to the Hunter Valley.  Now we’re seeing those really good stallions staying here in Victoria.”

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