Media release – Tasracing, 8 May 2024
North-west coast tracks update
Tasracing will commence work immediately on a new proposal for greyhound and harness facilities that suit the daily requirements of north-west coast-based trainers.
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said significant project cost increases had made the current tracks development proposed for land adjacent to the Devonport Airport unaffordable and it would no longer proceed.
“The total anticipated cost of the proposed project increased from the initial assessment of $18 million ($10 million capital funding contribution from Tasracing and $8 million from the Tasmanian Government) to an estimated $38.6 million in September 2023, including the cost of purchasing the 27-hectare construction location,” he said.
“It is likely that the estimate will have increased further, which is why Tasracing advised the Tasmanian Government that it was not financially prudent to proceed.”
Mr Jenkins said proceeding with the project would jeopardise the sustainability of Tasracing’s operations as the state’s Principal Racing Authority and by extension the Tasmanian racing industry.
“Tasracing has briefed industry stakeholders and participants about the decision and will commence work on an amended plan with these stakeholders immediately,” he said.
“Tasracing’s shareholder ministers have requested the company provide advice on a solution that will met the needs of industry, which we will provide as soon as practical.”
Editor’s note: Tasracing’s archive of statements on this facility is here.
Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing, 8 May 2024
Tasracing North-West tracks decision
The Tasmanian Government acknowledges the decision by Tasracing to not proceed with the proposed north-west tracks project.
Racing Minister, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Government had asked Tasracing to provide advice on a solution that is focused on investment in facilities to suit the daily requirements of north-west harness and greyhound trainers.
“As noted in our election policy, this needs to be at the right price – not any price,” Minister Howlett said.
“We are also looking forward to working with Tasracing to implement our election commitment to invest $2 million in the Burnie, Spreyton and Carrick Racecourses to ensure that racing remains vibrant in regional and rural areas.
Ms Howlett said that importantly, Tasracing was starting consultation with stakeholders straight away and the Government looked forward to working with Tasracing to support a solution that will meet the needs of north-west harness and greyhound trainers.
“The Tasmanian Government remains committed to providing the appropriate funding support for this solution, once we have considered a detailed business case at the appropriate time,” Minister Howlett said.
Luke Edmunds MLC, Shadow Minister for Racing, 8 May 2024
Rockliff shuts down greyhound racing on the North West Coast – jobs at risk
Today marks the shutdown of greyhound racing on the north west coast. It also puts huge stress onto harness racing, with only Burnie remaining and trainers required to travel to Launceston or Hobart to race for most of the year.
In 2020, the Liberals committed to $8 million for new greyhound and harness tracks, but during the last state election replaced it with $2 million towards upgrades. It refused to say whether it would build the north west track.
It will undoubtedly lead to industry exits and job losses.
Jeremy Rockliff now has the same policy as the Greens on north west greyhound racing – that is to shut it down.
Jane Howlett made the commitment to build a new track when she shut down racing at Devonport. She has broken her promise and is too embarrassed to talk to the industry.
