Bundaberg trainers furious over Racing Queensland’s track ruling
Racing Queensland (RQ) has officially announced that greyhound meetings will no longer be programmed at Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club’s current grass track, citing ongoing concerns regarding its suitability.
The venue has remained offline since late September, and despite discussions with club representatives, RQ has decided to discontinue racing on the two-turn grass surface, emphasising that sand provides a more consistent and reliable racing surface.
However, the decision has ignited outrage among Bundaberg trainers and racing participants, who argue that RQ is ignoring the realities faced by those involved in the sport.
At the forefront of the resistance is Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club president Stephen Bland, who has vehemently criticised RQ’s actions and the lack of transparency behind the decision.
“Racing Queensland’s latest media release regarding Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club comes with no surprise.
There has been a great deal of misinformation regarding the track, which has been spread by social media and unfortunately believed by those in authority.
I note with interest that RQ have increased the travel subsidy to $120. How benevolent of them.
So for $120 RQ, and I guess with the Governments backing, expect the Local trainers to risk their lives and their Greyhounds to travel on Queensland’s notorious BLOOD Highway after a day’s racing, usually either late at night or the very early hours of the morning, for $120.
So much for thinking of the dogs welfare or even pretending to care about the trainers.
I just hope a pray that none of our people or Greys become another BLOOD Highway statistic just because of an ill-judged political decision.”
The outcry has spread across social media, where trainers and participants have expressed frustration over what they view as disregard for their welfare.
One trainer, Brian Terry, was particularly vocal about the financial strain and working conditions imposed by RQ’s decision.
“It cost me $200 on Friday for standing up to this exact reason. Welfare and Duty of Care does not apply to us.
Expected to do 22 hour days to stay in the industry. 80 yo put constantly in the last race. Care factor is zero for human welfare. They are negligible if this does occur, as they have been warned many, many times,” Terry said.
Darren Taylor echoed these sentiments, stating, “Stephen Bland agree with what you say if you worked for government, it would be a massive breach of OH and S.”
Industry professionals have also weighed in, questioning the logic behind RQ’s move.
Rusty Dillon, an experienced turf specialist, accused RQ of failing to consult experts before making a sweeping decision.
Meanwhile, longtime Bundaberg participant Terry Richards pointed to the club’s long history as a grass track, arguing that similar venues have remained operational for decades.
“The two oldest tracks have always been grass, and now you have idiots that want to change these historic tracks,” Richards said.
The frustration has led to serious discussions about legal action, with some calling for Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club to engage legal representation to challenge RQ’s decision.
Despite the overwhelming backlash, RQ remains firm in its stance, reiterating that the move aligns with broader safety concerns and industry best practices.
However, as tensions escalate, the future of Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club—and the trainers who rely on it—hangs in the balance.