Thoroughbred International

Not only is Council working to bring business to the district, it is establishing its own business initiatives, capitalising on links with long standing local industries.

At the instigation of Business Victoria, Council has become a partner with local horse breeding establishments, The Independent Stallion Station, Dreelburn and Tabasco Lodge, in an enterprise to market quality horses to Asia Pacific owners. The horses are bred, trained and housed in Australia where there is ample room for the industry to grow. This new venture is known as Thoroughbred International Marketing

With close proximity to Melbourne International Airport, horses can be flown to race meetings around the globe. Overseas owners can also capitalise on the Super Vobis scheme where horses bred and raced in Victoria are eligible for higher prize money than horses from elsewhere. Benefits from this industry will be felt throughout the local economy.

The influential owner of Dreelburn Stud, a former president of the Hong Kong Jockeys Club, has been encouraged by Council to invest in other areas of local business. This has encouraged Asia Pacific networks and expanded the number and type of contacts available to local businesses.

The potential of this industry, which is set to expand with the development of satellite transmission Tallytrack broadcasts, could see up to $25 million enter the local economy, substantially boosting business activity in the Shire.

For further information contact Adrian Pennell, telephone (03) 9747 7200.