Vote 1 Local Jobs founder James Purcell is encouraging south-west voters to be aware of the threat on the eve of Warrnambool’s last jumps race meeting of the season.

“The Greens have made their position on jumps racing painfully clear — if they are elected, jumps racing faces certain death,” Mr Purcell said.

“They are putting a huge effort into winning the coveted fifth seat in the Western District’s upper house and if they do it’s goodbye to jumps racing.

“They would have the balance of power and control what happens throughout Victoria.”

Mr Purcell said The Greens were confident of winning this seat and last week presented a petition to Parliament calling on the government to ban jumps racing in south-west Victoria.

It is believed the jumps racing industry supports about 2500 direct south-west jobs and injects $20 million into our economy.

“At this year’s May Racing Carnival, more than 1400 people signed a petition I had supporting jumps  racing,” Mr Purcell said. 

“I urge those who haven’t already signed to go to www.vote1localjobs.com.au and sign the petition — if I am elected I will table it to Parliament.

“It’s vital the community understands how important their upper house vote is. There are always two Labor and two Liberal representatives elected to the upper house. 

“The fifth seat is typically taken by a minor party — if The Greens take this spot it’s the death knell for jumps racing,” he said.

South West Coast Greens candidate Thomas Campbell said The Greens party opposed jumps racing.

“It is deplorable that we have to continue to call for an end to an activity that is banned in other states due to it’s inherent cruelty,” he said.

“For every 115 horses that start jumps racing, one faces death. This is opposed to flats racing which is 20 times safer. 

“Jumps racing has stopped in every state except for Victoria and South Australia.”

Mr Campbell said the Warrnambool racing carnival would continue with or without jumps racing.

“We simply need to decide whether we will act to stop this inhumane treatment of horses, or kill the industry off one horse at a time, while community opposition continues to grow,” he said.

“Regardless of what action is taken, jumps racing will die a natural death.”

Vote 1 Local Jobs is fighting to be south-west Victoria’s voice and take the coveted fifth spot in the upper house. 

Mr Purcell is undertaking a membership drive to achieve the 500 members necessary to register the party.

“Vote 1 Local Jobs is a devout supporter of jumps racing. Support us to support this crucial industry for south-west Victoria,” he said.

“You can join Vote 1 Local Jobs at www.vote1localjobs.com.au,” Mr Purcell said.

athomson@fairfaxmedia.com.au