Government gives final approvals for Yamanto earthworks to start this year
PHOTO: GREYHOUNDS SAFER TRACKS The proposed greyhound racing facility in Yamanto will feature three more greyhound safer circuits.
THE wait is over, and the much anticipated centre of Queensland greyhound racing is coming to Ipswich.
The state-of-the-art greyhound facility at Yamanto will become the new home of the sport after the government last week granted development approval.
Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club president, Rob Essex, comment on the news was a simple “how good is this.”
“We have enjoyed racing at the Ipswich Showgrounds and working with the Show Society for all these years, but now we are our own boss,” he said.
“Tenders will soon be called for the excavation work, and we hope to see bulldozers on the Yamanto site before the end of the year.
“If all goes according to plans, we should be staging our first meeting by late 2024.”
Racing Minister Grace Grace said greyhound safety will be the number one priority for the design of the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre (GBGC).
“This facility will create 477 good jobs for Queenslanders during construction and contribute significantly to the great lifestyle of the local area,” Ms Grace said.
“The GBGC will feature three tracks – a straight track, a one-turn track, and a twoturn track – with the health and safety of greyhounds at the heart of design and construction.
“Racing Queensland is engaging with experts in track design and injury prevention to build a centre that is as safe for dogs and trainers as possible.
“Design features like appropriate radius and surface banking, air-conditioned kennels and world-class racing surfaces will be incorporated to achieve this.
“There will also be a veterinarian clinic on-site to provide quality care for greyhounds. “Racing at the centre will be broadcast to 60 nations around the world, putting the industry in Queensland on show to a global audience.
“The community will also benefit from the construction of a multipurpose function centre that will be incorporated in the centre’s design.”
Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson said the project would redefine racing in the sunshine state.
“The approval of the GBGC is a momentous occasion for the greyhound code,” Mr Wilson said.
“Not only will we deliver a state-of-the-art racing complex, but we will provide an invaluable community asset.
“GBGC is a once-in-a-generation project, and we look forward to delivering a local amenity that will be enjoyed for decades to come.
The GBGC will replace the current greyhound tracks at Albion Park and Ipswich Showground.
The project will be funded with $39.15 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund.
Greyhound racing contributes more than $170 million to the combined economies of Brisbane and Ipswich each year, supporting about 1,200 full-time jobs.
