Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Track Set for $4 Million Upgrade

The Bundaberg greyhound racing track, located 4.5 hours north of Brisbane, is gearing up for a major $4 million upgrade, less than two years after its last renovation. The track has been closed since September 2024 due to concerns about the high injury rate among the racing dogs.

Concerns Over Safety

• The Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club president, Ricky Hassall, expressed relief over the government’s decision to convert the track surface from grass to sand. This change comes after months of uncertainty and aims to address the issue of injuries among the racing dogs.
• Hassall highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of the dogs, referring to them as part of their racing family. He emphasized that the upgrade would include transition corners, making the track much safer for the animals.
• According to Hassall, the shift from grass to sand tracks is a trend in the industry, as the grass tracks pose risks for the dogs, such as getting their feet caught and potentially breaking a leg.
  

  Government Involvement
  

• Minister for Sport and Racing, Tim Mander, announced that the conversion of the Bundaberg track would cost up to $4 million and would be carried out by Racing Queensland. He emphasized that the move to a sand track would not only benefit greyhound racing in the Wide Bay region but also enhance animal welfare by reducing injury rates.
• Mander highlighted the use of modern technology in the design of the track, which is expected to contribute to lower injury rates among the racing dogs.
  

  Controversy Surrounding the Upgrade
  

• Despite the positive outlook from industry stakeholders, there has been criticism from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds. Annie Hendley from the coalition argued that the millions spent on the track upgrade were a waste of taxpayer money.
• Hendley expressed skepticism about the safety of greyhound racetracks in general, stating that there are no completely safe tracks for the animals. She questioned the government’s assurance that the new track in Bundaberg would be any better in terms of safety.
  

  Previous Issues and Shutdown
  

• Racing Queensland had initially promised the conversion of the track in 2023 following a $1.4 million upgrade of the club’s facilities. However, the work never materialized, leading to the temporary closure of the club in 2024.
• A report by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) revealed alarming statistics, with 42 dogs injured and one deceased or euthanized over a three-month period. The report also highlighted the higher injury rate at the Bundaberg track compared to larger tracks like Albion Park in Brisbane.
  

  Future Prospects and Travel Subsidy
  

  Travel Subsidy to Continue
  

• The greyhound racing industry in Bundaberg plays a significant role in the local economy, injecting an estimated $9.6 million annually. To support trainers during the track closure, Racing Queensland has been providing a travel subsidy for Bundaberg-based trainers to attend races in Rockhampton and Brisbane.
• President Ricky Hassall acknowledged the challenges faced by trainers and their dogs when traveling long distances for races. He described the situation as "terrible," highlighting the risks of fatigue and night-time travel.
• Minister Tim Mander assured that the travel subsidy would continue until the completion of the track conversion. He reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing the project to ensure a swift return to racing activities for the trainers and their dogs.

  In conclusion, the upcoming upgrade of the Bundaberg greyhound racing track signifies a significant development in the industry, focusing on enhancing safety standards and improving the overall racing experience for both participants and spectators. While there are dissenting voices questioning the necessity of the investment, the government and industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the positive impact of the track conversion on the welfare of the racing dogs and the sustainability of the sport in the region.

  FAQ
  

  1. When is the expected completion date of the Bundaberg track upgrade?

  • The timeline for the completion of the track conversion has not been confirmed, but efforts are underway to expedite the process.

    2. How will the new sand track improve safety for the racing dogs?

  • The transition from grass to sand is expected to reduce injury rates by eliminating risks associated with grass tracks, such as foot entrapment and leg injuries.

    3. What economic impact does the greyhound racing industry have on Bundaberg?

  • The industry contributes approximately $9.6 million annually to the local economy, highlighting its significance in the region’s financial landscape.