A Fresh Start for Bundaberg Greyhound Racing
- The Crisafulli Government to deliver a new track to secure the future of greyhound racing in Bundaberg.
- The track was promised under the former Labor Government but wasn't delivered.
- Greyhound racing is responsible for generating $9.6 million for the Bundaberg economy.
The Crisafulli Government has secured the future of greyhound racing in Bundaberg with the delivery of a new sand track for the community.
Local participants have been left without a place to race since September last year after the grass track at the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club was deemed unfit for racing.
Under the former Labor Government, the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club and participants were promised in 2023 that their existing grass track would be converted to sand in the second half of 2024, however they failed to deliver the project.
The greyhound racing industry generates $9.6 million in economic benefits annually in the Wide Bay-Burnett.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of racing in Queensland and is currently conducting a comprehensive review to examine how best to maximise all codes and venues across the State.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Bundaberg racing industry was left in limbo by the former Labor government.
"We have listened to greyhound participants, and we will deliver what Labor could not," Minister Mander said.
"The Crisafulli Government has made clear its commitment to country racing and that includes providing a future for the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club.
"The replacement of the track will ensure for a more consistent racing surface, which has advantages for both safety and track maintenance.
"We are currently delivering the most comprehensive review of the industry in more than 25 years as we look to continue supporting the long-term success of racing right across Queensland."
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said racing was part of the fabric of his electorate and the greater Wide Bay-Burnett region.
"The racing industry employs almost 450 hardworking people in the Wide Bay-Burnett region," Mr Bennett said.
"Greyhound racing has a rich history in Bundaberg and this project will ensure great events like the time-honoured Bundaberg Cup will continue to attract some of the most recognisable faces in Australian greyhound racing to the region each year."
Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club President and prominent greyhound trainer Ricky Hassall thanked the Crisafulli Government for listening to the industry.
"Our club was promised a new sand track in 2023 and I want to thank Minister Mander and the Crisafulli Government for correcting that broken promise," Mr Hassall said.
"Bundaberg is such an important piece in our industry's puzzle and services participants right across the state, so it is a relief to know we will continue to race here into the future."
