Cranbourne set for greyhound racing return after $10m revamp
Greyhound racing is set to make a long-awaited return to Cranbourne, with a new $10 million track development officially backed by the Victorian Government and industry leaders after more than three years on the sidelines.
Racing Minister Anthony Carbines has confirmed a $4 million contribution from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF), helping to kickstart the ambitious rebuild.
The project is also being supported by $3.5 million from Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) and $2 million from the Cranbourne Club.
The new track will replace the previous facility, which was shut down in early 2022 due to serious safety concerns.
The upgraded venue promises world-class racing conditions and enhanced safety measures, aiming to re-establish Cranbourne as a major hub for the sport in Victoria’s south-east.
Construction will include a wider track design, a modernised racing surface, and the addition of high-quality lighting and advanced drainage.
These upgrades are intended to support safer conditions for both racing and trialling, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
Key design features will include fixed-distance chute starts at 330m, 420m and 480m, and provision for an extended 650m start.
The new venue will retain a traditional cable lure system but will be built with the capacity to transition to a cableless alternative in the future.
IsoLynx race tracking technology will also be implemented as part of GRV’s broader commitment to safety and transparency.
Animal welfare has been placed at the forefront of the redevelopment, with new infrastructure such as purpose-built wash bays, upgraded holding areas, and improved viewing pens to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of all greyhounds on-site.
GRV CEO Stuart Laing said the announcement marked a turning point for participants in the region.
“The Casey region is home to the largest number of greyhound trainers and second highest number of active greyhounds in Victoria and this investment will ensure that greyhound racing at Cranbourne can thrive into the future,” Laing told newscorp.
Construction is expected to commence by mid-2025, creating at least 15 ongoing jobs in addition to those generated during the building phase.
The redevelopment could also pave the way for the return of major feature races such as the Cranbourne Cup and Cranbourne Classic, which were previously key fixtures on Victoria’s racing calendar.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed financial momentum for GRV, with the governing body recently forecasting a $23 million year-on-year improvement thanks to stronger wagering turnover and cost-efficiency strategies.
With over 200 trainers based in the Cranbourne catchment area and a large population of active racing greyhounds, the return of the track is expected to significantly ease pressure on nearby venues and revitalise the local racing scene.