The Stawell Harness Racing Club has gained approval to proceed with a fauna and flora study at the Stawell racecourse.
The $20,000 was approved at Harness Racing Victoria's Development Fund meeting.
The study, which will move the club closer to building a new 1000 metre track inside the racecourse, will be conducted by an independent firm which will look at the species of plants and fauna inside the existing track.
A meeting was held earlier this year and it was here that SHRC was advised to obtain the Environmental Report.
SHRC president Geoff Sanderson thanked the Development Fund for providing the money for the project.
``The cost of $20,000 for this study will come from the development fund and we would like to thank the board for their commitment to this project,'' Sanderson said.
``This shows great confidence in the club and this region in general.''
The studies will be conducted this coming spring and next year in autumn.
Harness Racing Victoria Track Designer Wayne Edgeloe said that the report will help see the project proceed and follow all necessary guidelines. It will also help work with Department of Sustainability and Environment and environmental groups to work out the best way to preserve and protect any flora and fauna in the area.