Tweed Heads Greyhound Track On The Market
Racing Queensland has left the door open to negotiate with the owners of Tweed-based Border Park if the NSW government follows through with its ban on greyhound racing.
Secretary manager Steve McGrath said the venue would be sold, regardless of whether greyhound racing gets a reprieve in NSW, because the land is too valuable.
He said Border Park was valued between $15 million and $20 million.
If the Baird government goes through with its ban then the Border Park owners will approach the Queensland government about opening a new track on the Gold Coast.
“No matter what, Border Park will be sold. When we sell the land we have to determine if we re-invest in NSW or do we need to explore moving to Queensland,” Mr McGrath said.
“If New South Wales is back up and running it would be best to look at a brand new facility in Tweed Heads and if it's banned our only option is to open a greyhound track interstate.”
A Racing Queensland spokeswoman said that it would consider any submission from the owners of Border Park.
“At an appropriate time we would need to consult with stakeholders, QRIC (Queensland Racing Integrity Commission) and participants to determine if the proposal was in the best interests of Greyhound Racing in Queensland,” the spokeswoman said.
The Baird government has now suspended all non-TAB tracks from conducting meetings until a series of inspections are carried out at each course.
Mr McGrath received notification from Greyhound Racing NSW on Tuesday night that non-TAB tracks were closed until further notice.
“I believe there will be a track inspection carried out here in the next five days and hopefully we will back as soon as Saturday week.”
The NSW ban comes into effect on July 1, 2017.