The previous track was shut down in early 2022.
Australia.- The Victorian government has committed AU$4m (US$2.5m) to help build a new racetrack at Cranbourne. According to Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV), construction will begin in the second half of this year and will take 12 to 18 months to complete.
The new track will replace the existing facility, which was closed in early 2022. It will be a single-track circuit with a minimum width of 7 metres to reduce interference and congestion. The old two-track circuit has a minimum width of 4 metres in some parts.
The track will offer distances of 330, 420, 480 and 650 metres to accommodate a wide range of races. The GRV said that although the tender process has not begun, the funding ensures the project can move forward.
Victorian racing minister Anthony Carbines, said: “This upgrade will provide a safe and state-of-the-art venue for trainers, greyhounds and participants. The racing industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy, and our investment will back more jobs.”
Stuart Laing, CEO of GRV, said the redevelopment would help trainers living in the City of Casey, which has the highest number of greyhound trainers and the second-highest number of active greyhounds in Victoria.
He said: “This investment will ensure that greyhound racing at Cranbourne can thrive with the construction of a new purpose-built track, utilising industry best practice design principles, fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for greyhound racing in Victoria, and provides our participants with the much-needed confidence to continue to invest in the sport.”
Andrew Fennell, CEO of Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club, said: “We thank the Victorian Government for its significant investment to upgrade the greyhound racetrack here at Cranbourne. We know the upgraded track will be of significant benefit to trainers, ensuring the continued safety of our racing animals and trainers, while ensuring an enjoyable experience for patrons for years to come.”
In 2021, the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club held 89 race meetings with 1,318 participants, distributing over AU$4m in prize money. The GRV said greyhound racing has an economic impact of AU$36.9m (US$23.3m) for the City of Casey, supporting 282 full-time jobs and generating AU$21m (US$13.3m) in household income. Greyhound racing contributes AU$844.8m (US$533.3m) to Victoria’s economy each year.
