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Benalla’s biggest tourist drawcard is about to get even bigger, with the Victorian Government giving Benalla Auto Club the green light for a $723000 upgrade to Winton Motor Raceway.

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes said the Victorian Government would contribute $300000 toward the upgrade from the Putting Locals First program.

‘‘Attracting tens of thousands of visitors to Benalla each year, and injecting about $35million into the local economy, Winton Motor Raceway is home to some of the biggest motorsport events on the annual calendar in Australia,’’ Dr Sykes said.

‘‘The first stage of the project will include the construction of a 14400sqm all-weather hard standing surface, making Winton an ideal venue for major events and trade displays year round.

‘‘Upgrades to the power supply will also help the Motorkhana Complex cope with increased demand, meaning bigger events and more frequent events will be attracting visitors to the region in the future,’’ he said.

Winton Motor Raceway chief executive Mick Ronke said this grant was the first time that Victorian Government funding had been made available for any development within the raceway, and he welcomed the funding support by the Liberal National Coalition Government.

‘‘It is a great morale boost for our members, a giant step forward in our working relationship with two tiers of government and has been achieved with considerable support from the local office of Regional Development Victoria and our local member, Dr Bill Sykes.’’

The Coalition Government has previously provided $40000 funding for each of two years for event promotion.

Council has already assisted with the timely approval of a development plan which will see work start immediately on the first stage of the project.

Mr Ronke said the Auto club had been conducting Show ’n Shine and Motorkhana events at Winton for years.

‘‘But now, we will have an all-weather formal area on which to conduct these increasingly popular events. The area will also be available for motorcycle activities, trade displays and driver training,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s the sort of thing our fans tell us they want. We are in the business of pleasing our fans. That’s why we stay in business.

‘‘With the support of this government, we can get on with the job. It’s a win for everyone.’’

The club estimates that the complex will attract a further 10000 patrons per year to the raceway and about 40 per cent of them would spend at least one night in the Region.

Read more in this week’s Ensign.