Thursday 30 May 2024
The silence rolls on, more than two years after greyhound racing stalled at the Cranbourne track and left a key part of the industry in limbo.
There is still no direction from the Allan Labor Government on future plans for the track, with uncertainty continuing at Parliament in a press conference devoid of answers.
Initial proposals to build a new track adjacent to Pakenham racecourse have stalled, leaving a large community of greyhound racing in the south-east metropolitan area uncertain of its future.
Industry stakeholders and Shadow Minister for Racing, Tim Bull, are calling on the Minister for Racing, Anthony Carbines, to break his prolonged silence and outline a pathway forward.
“There is a large population of industry participants in that area who simply want to know what the future holds so they can make decisions about their own operations,” Mr Bull said.
“It is not good enough that after more than two years, the Minister remains silent. It is not acceptable for him to simply say ‘it is a matter for Greyhound Racing Victoria’; he needs to show leadership on this issue.
“Without direction, there are growing concerns the government’s inaction might be interpreted as a decision to abandon the sport in this region altogether.”
Participants fear they may be forced to travel long distances to Sandown or Warragul.
The industry calls on the Allan Labor Government to address these concerns promptly and transparently, providing a clear and actionable roadmap for the future of greyhound racing in south-east metropolitan Victoria.