A major track at Queensland’s newest greyhound racing facility has been permanently shut down following safety concerns that forced the postponement of one of the sport’s biggest events.
The Q2 Parklands track at The Q in Ipswich has been deemed unsafe for racing after a watering issue rendered the surface unusable.
The problem led to the postponement – and eventual cancellation – of the Group One Brisbane Cup, and has now triggered big changes to the State’s racing calendar.
Racing Queensland announced that all upcoming meetings and trials scheduled for the Q2 track have been cancelled indefinitely, with the Q1 Lakeside and Q Straight tracks taking over the full weekly program of eight meetings at the facility.
The decision follows an inspection by Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) stewards, who found the surface unsuitable for racing or trialling.
Racing Queensland said remediation works are needed before any activity can return to Q2 Parklands.
Plans to relocate races to Albion Park were explored but ruled out due to staffing pressures and operational constraints, especially while refurbishments continue at the Ipswich complex.
The Q greyhound facility – a joint venture between Racing Queensland and local racing clubs – officially opened in June after months of trials.
It was developed with $44.15 million from the State’s Racing Infrastructure Fund, forming part of a total $85 million investment under the previous Labor government.
Acting Minister for Racing Steven Minnikin said he was “disappointed for participants and supporters” and confirmed that independent investigations were now underway to examine the facility and track operations.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard slammed the safety failures and called for immediate action from Racing Queensland and Minister Tim Mander.
“This track was launched with the bold claim that it would be the safest in the country, a claim repeated across advertising in Ipswich and online,” she said.
“These incidents are not acceptable. The public deserves transparency. The dogs deserve better.”
