Vic: Bracks says footrace must stay in Stawell

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2001
Vic: Bracks says footrace must stay in Stawell

Victoria Premier STEVE BRACKS says the Stawell Gift foot race must stay in the western
town or there'll be no money for it from the government.

Stawell Gift organisers are considering moving Australia's most famous professional
footrace to Melbourne's Colonial Stadium next year for its 125th anniversary.

But Mr BRACKS -- who'll be visiting Stawell today -- has told ABC radio such a move
is not acceptable.

He says the race has always been run in Stawell and the BRACKS government will require
it to be at Stawell if it's to receive support.

Mr BRACKS says the government won't provide money to an event which will take away
the economic benefit to the region around Stawell if it moves to Melbourne.

Club secretary ROBERT IRVINE has told ABC radio the club needs help for a $1.7 million
upgrade for the track.

Mr BRACKS says the government understands there's a need for capital at the ground.

AAP jlw/jtb/rt

KEYWORD: ATHS GIFT (MELBOURNE)

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