Contractors from Shepparton arrived in town on Wednesday morning, with earthmoving work expected to start by today.

Murray Mallee Racing's Aaron Garvie said work would be in full swing by Monday.

"It's anticipated that major earthworks will be completed by Easter," he said.

"And the building of the (harness racing) track will take place over the next few months."

Garvie said the tender for the community hub will close on February 3.

He said the final result would be a high-quality harness and thoroughbred racing facility for Swan Hill.

"It is very exciting for Nyah harness and Swan Hill jockey clubs," Garvie said.

"It will be great for Swan Hill to have this work done over the next 12 months or so.

"We will have 11 thoroughbred meetings and 13 harness meetings in a year - so about 25 meetings in Swan Hill."

Harness Racing Victoria chairman Ken Latta said HRV was excited to be partnered with State Government on the project.

"The Mallee region of Victoria is a provincial harness racing stronghold and HRV believes it is of vital importance to continue strengthening the sport in this region," he said.

For more on this story see Friday's edition of The Guardian (January 20, 2012).