Mackay Greyhounds Finished, Cairns In Limbo
Yesterday, the Greyhounds Queensland Board met to discuss decisions in relation to the de-registration of two North Queensland Greyhound Racing clubs, Cairns and Mackay, from 1 July 2009 and the allocation of TAB racing for Townsville.
Both Cairns and Mackay clubs had been requested to show cause as to their future operations in April. The clubs responded by the Greyhounds Queensland's deadline of close of business on the 6th May, and the clubs' responses and viability were carefully considered.
Chair of Greyhound's Queensland, Ms Kerry Watson stated that the viability of the clubs hasn't just been monitored over the last few weeks. The decision had regard to ongoing operational issues over an extended period, and the unlikelihood of these issues being successfully addressed in the future.
“The Board concluded that both clubs are not viable under their current circumstances. Mackay will de-registered from 30th June, 2009. The Board did not accept the case for Cairns to be registered from 1 July 2009 on basis as submitted by the club.
Further consideration is being given to Cairns on the back of TAB racing on Tuesday evenings being approved for the Townsville club on a changed basis, which may alter industry demand in that region.
The Townsville club will assume the Tuesday night meeting from 9 July 2009 subject to the necessary SKY Channel infrastructure being in place.
Ms. Watson said Greyhounds Queensland was acting in the best interests of the industry, which hopes to increase long-term support through club consolidation.
“We're committed to enhancing and strengthening greyhound racing and believe that through consolidating clubs, current racing hubs like Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Townsville will maintain a strong future,” Ms Watson said.
“Only time will tell if industry demand supports continued Greyhound racing in Cairns.”