The WA Government has stepped in to provide emergency water supply funding to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club after a dispute between City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Council and the Club looked set to jeopardise the local 2025 race season.
The Government today confirmed a grant of up to $261,000 will be provided to the Club to cover additional water costs for the 2025 season, allowing more time for the Club and Council to resolve the dispute.
“Country races are such an important part of living the regions, and they help to support our regional economies,” said Premier, Roger Cook.
“My WA Labor Government is stepping in to fix this issue and make sure the races run this year. I want to thank [Kalgoorlie MLA] Ali Kent for her strong advocacy to save the Kalgoorlie races, and for her commitment to always doing what’s right for her local community.”
Racing and Gaming Minister, Paul Papalia, described the grant announcement as a win for the Kalgoorlie community, and for the racing industry.
“Regional racing helps sustain local jobs, drive tourism and strengthen the local economy,” he said.
“And this gives all players the next 12 months to sort this matter out and secure the future of racing in the Goldfields.”

In a public video address published to Council’s website on 22 January, Mayor Glenn Wilson addressed the issue, saying the Council had been “ready and able” to supply the racing club with recycled water.
“I want to address the recent decision by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club (KBRC) and Racing WA to change the location of this season’s first race meet. The City is deeply disappointed by this outcome,” said Mayor Wilson.
“What’s equally concerning is the significant misinformation circulating in the public domain. This is especially disheartening given the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting the KBRC and safeguarding the future of racing in our community.
“To be clear, the City has been ready and able to supply recycled water to the KBRC since last year. However, KBRC and Racing WA could not agree to terms that would avoid imposing further financial burdens on Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s ratepayers.”
He said the Council could not continue providing an unlimited supply of recycled water under the previous agreement.
“That agreement hadn’t been reviewed in over a decade, during which KBRC was paying a significantly reduced rate. This meant ratepayers were heavily subsidising KBRC’s water supply while other community users were paying according to the current fees and charges.”
“This situation was neither fair nor in line with good governance.
“Throughout the negotiations, the City made substantial efforts and offers to support the KBRC. We refrained from sharing detailed information because we believed we were negotiating in good faith.
“However, with the KBRC now choosing to share selective information publicly and suggesting the City is obstructing the future of racing, it’s important that we set the record straight,” said Mayor Wilson.
He said the Council’s elected representatives, Executive Leadership, and staff had been working tirelessly to find a resolution that is acceptable to all parties.

In a statement on 23 January, the Club announced a change of venue (above) for its first race of the season, due to the ongoing water dispute with the Council, saying more race meetings were at risk unless a fair water pricing agreement was reached.
Meanwhile, Kalgoorlie MLA, Ali Kent said the State Government grant announced today was a win for all involved.
“The racing industry is incredibly important to the Goldfields. Not only is it an important part of our local economy, it’s an important part of our history, which is why I’m very proud to have delivered this outcome for our community,” she said.
“This means racing can go ahead in 2025, and gives the race club and the council time to work this out ahead of the 2026 season. I’ve been working hard with both the club and the Council on this issue and will continue to do so until a long term resolution is agreed.
“This is what WA Labor Governments do – listen to communities, find solutions and get things done in the regions.”