Bundaberg greyhound trainers demand answers on track future
Racing Queensland‘s (RQ) decision to shut down the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club’s grass track has sparked significant debate, with Brisbane trainer Darryl McGrath, voicing concerns about the transparency and handling of the issue.
On February 14, Racing Queensland reaffirmed its stance that Bundaberg’s track would not reopen in its current grass form.
The organisation cited concerns over the suitability of the track, stating that sand provides a more consistent racing surface.
RQ is now directing local trainers to alternative venues, offering an increased travel subsidy of $120 per trainer from February.
However, McGrath and others speculate that this decision was premeditated and represents a larger issue within the state’s racing infrastructure.
The Bundaberg track has been offline since late September 2024, following concerns raised by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) about track inconsistencies.
RQ initially announced remedial works to improve the surface, but as McGrath suggested, the conversation quickly shifted from fixing the track to indefinitely shutting it down due to injury concerns.
According to McGrath, some Bundaberg trainers feel they have been made scapegoats for an issue that may stem from Racing Queensland’s own mismanagement.
He noted that Racing Queensland had the opportunity to convert the Bundaberg track to sand during its 2022–23 renovations but opted not to, allegedly due to budget constraints.
A press release from RQ on December 19, 2023, initially announced the funding and plan for Bundaberg’s conversion to a sand surface, but the project has since stalled.
The December 2023 press release outlined that the works would include a new sand surface, a repositioned 460-metre start, and rail realignment to improve safety.
It also confirmed that funds had been allocated and contractors were to be appointed in early 2024.
The expectation was that work would be completed in the second half of 2024, allowing for minimal disruption to participants.
However, with the project now uncertain as of February 2025, trainers are questioning how previously allocated funds have disappeared and why the plan has not moved forward.
This latest development comes after a $1.4 million upgrade in 2023, which included new turf, a full renovation of track levels and cambers, and the installation of a new judges’ and broadcast tower.
Racing Queensland also funded a new rail and lure system, a catching pen upgrade, a new irrigation system, replacement fencing, new starts at 531m and 315m, the replacement of boxes, and the installation of a sectional timing system.
These investments were seen as significant steps forward for Bundaberg’s racing infrastructure, making the recent shutdown in late 2024 even more perplexing for those in the industry.
“Racing Queensland should be doing what’s in the best interest of the industry and the welfare of the greyhounds,” McGrath said.
“They’ve had data from a Greyhound Racing New South Wales report carried out from 2019 through to 2022 showing that injury rates are higher on grass tracks, so the question has to be asked, why didn’t they convert it to sand when they had the chance?”
RQ’s public stance has focused on greyhound welfare, with officials arguing that a sand surface would reduce injuries and provide a safer environment for racing.
Further complicating matters is the uncertainty surrounding Bundaberg’s future.
RQ has indicated that Bundaberg’s license expires in six months, yet there is no commitment to funding a sand conversion until after a ministerial review is completed.
Even if approved, it would take an estimated four months to complete, meaning the earliest potential return for racing would be in February 2026.
For many local trainers, this leaves them in limbo, forcing them to either travel long distances to race elsewhere or consider leaving the sport altogether.
Adding to the tension is the potential for a statewide industry protest, with some trainers considering withholding nominations from March 3 to 9 in response to the ongoing uncertainty.
A petition update from the ‘Keep Bundy Open’ group revealed frustration with RQ’s refusal to commit to Bundaberg’s future, with some believing the government review is being used as a way to delay or deflect responsibility.
Participants have argued that RQ should still be able to confirm the club’s long-term viability while awaiting the review’s findings.
On Thursday, the greyhound racing community saw the first significant impact of the protest, as the scheduled Albion Park meeting on Monday night was abandoned due to insufficient nominations, with less than 30 received.
This was the first event affected by the proposed week-long strike, with some industry participants pushing for further action if Racing Queensland does not provide clarity on Bundaberg’s future.
Meanwhile, Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott announced on February 21 that he would take on a more hands-on role in overseeing key greyhound racing operations in the state.
His shift in focus comes at a time when Racing Queensland has faced scrutiny over its financial priorities, with industry participants questioning why Bundaberg’s future remains uncertain while significant resources are directed toward other projects.
Industry representatives are now calling for Racing Queensland to guarantee Bundaberg’s future as a racing venue and deliver on its 2023 promise of a loam/sand surface.
A meeting between industry representatives and RQ is expected soon, which trainers hope will clarify the situation and provide much-needed direction.
“We need this direction as to what the bigger picture will be for Bundaberg. It is a vital part of the Queensland greyhound community.”
McGrath hopes that Racing Queensland’s heavy investment in other projects has not contributed to Bundaberg’s uncertain future.
Trainers deserve to know where the money has gone and why Bundaberg wasn’t prioritised earlier.”
Despite the official stance that Bundaberg’s conversion to sand will align with industry best practices, McGrath and others remain sceptical about whether the process will even happen at all.
“At the end of the day, people just want the truth. Trainers and greyhound owners deserve to know why Bundaberg has neglected and why decisions that should have been made years ago are only happening now,” he said.
As Racing Queensland pushes ahead with its broader industry review, the fate of Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club hangs in the balance.
Trainers are left with mounting questions about transparency, funding, and what the future of greyhound racing in regional Queensland truly looks like.
The biggest problem with Racing Queensland is that they do not have one person who understands Greyhound or Horse racing, when Racing Queensland had to bring a team from Victoria to repair the Gold Coast Track that says enough for the intelligence of the Racing Queensland’s Track manager, the now Racing Minister needs to step in and sack all these and find ex racing people who know racing. The closure of Bundaberg also places the thoroughbred racing at risk as they only race 7 times a year, Racing Queensland even made a mistake when they upgraded the horse racing track,… Read more »