Why A Boycott From Trainers Isn't The Answer

A group of Queensland greyhound trainers are threatening to boycott racing as a response to the cessation of racing on the current track at Bundaberg.

A group of Queensland greyhound trainers are threatening to boycott racing from March 3 to 9 as a direct response to the cessation of racing on the current grass track at Bundaberg.

Last week, Racing Queensland (RQ) announced that race meetings will no longer be programmed at the track due to concerns over its ongoing suitability and safety as currently constructed.

Racing hasn't been staged at Bundaberg, the only two-turn grass track in Queensland, since last September.

In recent conversations with the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club (BGRC), Racing Queensland outlined their material concerns from a statistical viewpoint while also being sympathetic to the plight of participants that rely and frequent the venue.

READ: Tensions Rise Over Bundaberg's Racing Future

The decision to not program race meetings on the current Bundaberg track comes at a time where the Queensland Government is conducting a comprehensive review into the racing industry.

That review has put a pause on any further capital works – across all three codes – as the Government determines the long-term viability of all codes and venues across the State.

It is hoped and envisioned that coming out of that review racing returns to Bundaberg on a new one-turn or straight sand track.

There is a strong belief that a transition from a grass surface to loam would be enough to bring the track up to standard.

Racing Queensland is acutely aware of the importance of a safe, fit to purpose, racing venue in Bundaberg.

That has been relayed to club representatives in working to navigate a pathway forward.

But in good conscience – and with the greater industry in mind – racing can't return to the track as it currently stands.

A potential boycott of racing at other Queensland venues won't bring a return to racing at Bundaberg any closer.

In fact, a mere few months out from the opening of The Q, it has the capacity to do the complete opposite.

Participants, particularly those in the Bundaberg region, have every reason to be frustrated, pushing forward with the belief that a resumption to racing was imminent.

Four years ago now, there was a concerted push to transform Bundaberg to loam, and provide another important racing outlet for trainers, particularly in the south-east.

For varying reasons, it was resisted, with remedial works done instead to the tune of $1.6 million.

Just a few years on and that considerable spend has essentially amounted to nothing.

But it's what is next for racing in the region that now matters most and the threat of strike action won't bring that any closer.

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