QUEENSLAND’S $90 million greyhound racing facility, The Q, has been revealed as a major failure, with report findings uncovering serious design flaws, governance shortcomings, and poor project oversight.
The facility, opened in June 2025 at Purga, was intended to be a flagship venue for Australian greyhound racing.
But just a month after its debut, the Brisbane Cup was abandoned mid-event when trainers and stewards discovered dangerously inconsistent track conditions caused by overwatering.
An investigation by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner and Racing Queensland confirmed the track was unfit for racing.
While stewards were cleared of wrongdoing, the reports criticised the broader systems that allowed the failure, including inadequate training, weak documentation, and poor communication between Racing Queensland, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, and the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club.
A separate review of the facility’s design and construction revealed a catalogue of technical problems.
Drainage systems were flawed, sand consistency was uneven, and moisture management was inadequate.
The design itself, approved and delivered under the former Labor Government, was never fit for purpose, with investigators noting that the failures were “built in from the start”.
Animal welfare advocates have called for the immediate closure of the facility, with Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds President Amy MacMahon calling the findings “damning”.
“Since April this year, 16 greyhounds have died racing at The Q, with 429 injuries. This facility should never have opened,” Ms MacMahon said.
Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander described the findings as a clear example of “a shocking lack of accountability and basic design oversight” during the project’s delivery.
The Crisafulli Government has instructed Racing Queensland, QRIC, and QGRC to implement all recommendations from both investigations, including automated drainage systems, real-time safety monitoring, improved moisture testing, and comprehensive maintenance protocols.
Each organisation is now required to report quarterly to the Minister on progress.
Queensland Greyhound Racing Club Chair David Nugent said the board agreed with all recommendations and would work closely with stakeholders to ensure swift implementation.
Racing at Q2 Parklands will continue, with programs for Saturdays and Tuesdays scheduled weekly.
RQ, QRIC and QGRC will be expected to continue to prioritise animal welfare.
Each entity will now develop an implementation plan; and provide quarterly reporting to the Minister.
“The collaborative efforts of these organisations aim to ensure The Q delivers positive outcomes for the greyhound racing industry,” the report stated.
