Lark Hill in limbo over TAB sale

Karnup horse racing trainers remain in limbo about the sale of the State-owned betting agency, despite recent figures proving it a profitable asset which provides necessary support to the industry.

WA Racing Trainers' Association president Michael Grant said he was not opposed to privatisation, but feared the sale could handicap the industry.

Mr Grant said the State Government made $70 million in taxes annually from the industry and TAB profits enabled Racing and Wagering WA to distribute $136 million, up $10 million on last year, to facilities around the State, including more than $800,000 for the upkeep of Lark Hill training complex in Rockingham. "Hundreds of horses rely of Lark Hill for training - it is a vital link in the thoroughbred training schedule," he said.

The racing representative body has compiled a report detailing what it needs from the Government to ensure any sale of the TAB is not detrimental to the industry.

Mr Grant said the Association needed the Government to re-engage with it and formalise measures to protect existing distributions.

He said Racing and Wagering WA had shown its forward projections to be about $150 million in distributions by 2018-19.

"The Government needs to ensure the people who compete for this wagering licence have a commitment to a similar model," he said.

"As costings increase we need that level of money to increase."

Warnbro Labor MLA Paul Papalia said his party was against the sale, especially considering the increased distributions this year.

"It just confirms how ridiculous the sale of the TAB would be," he said. "It's outrageous for the Barnett Government in a desperate plea to regain AAA rating that it would sell off such assets.

"They're not interested in supporting the industry or the tourism it brings to regional WA.

"This would not have happened had they not destroyed the State's finances."

Mr Papalia said he looked forward to hearing the concerns of the racing community on Friday, when he would attend a meeting called by the TAB.