Tasracing cost blowout puts new Tasmanian North West track in doubt
The board of the Tasmanian greyhound racing regulator, Tasracing, has written to the Minister for Racing, Felix Ellis, to advise that the new development will now cost more than double what was initially forecast.
The future of greyhound racing in Tasmania's North West had been in jeopardy since early 2020, when the Devonport Show Society first announced plans to redevelop the showground.
Despite the looming closure of Devonport greyhounds, it wasn't until March 2023 that Tasracing announced it had engaged engineers to design the new greyhound track and harness racing track.
The new track was to replace the Devonport greyhound track, which closed in March 2022.
The proposed North West Coast harness and greyhound racing tracks were to be built adjacent to Devonport Airport.
But after initially getting full Tasmanian government support when estimates of the development were projected to cost $18 million, Tasracing has been forced to concede the project will now cost $38.6 million.
Tasracing has written to the Minister for Racing, Felix Ellis, who is considering the news and has asked Tasracing to explain the cost blow-out.
While Tasracing has advised the Minister that they have “committed to provide that information as soon as possible” to explain the budget excess, they have declined to make that information available to the public.
Tasracing has said that “the new estimates include the cost of purchasing the 27-hectare construction location”, but it was unclear if that was already included in the initial budgeted costs.
Tasracing say they “remain committed to the project”, but for now it is unclear if Minister Ellis shares their enthusiasm, saying that the request for additional funding is “being considered, and we will work with Tasracing to understand the rationale behind the significant increase.
“This is an important piece of infrastructure for the North-West Coast and the racing industry, but it is important that it is built for the right price, not just any price.
“Together with the Treasurer, I have written to Tasracing requesting substantive additional information to enable Government to make a fully informed decision in relation to this request.
“We will work with Tasracing on this matter, but I have made it clear that we need to see a lot more detail on this project around the business case, given the significant cost increase,” Minister Ellis said.
The Latrobe Council just days ago approved the projects Subdivision and Development Application.
Tasracing is unlikely to be in a financial position to underwrite the project itself, so the new North West Coast greyhound track will now become a political football, with the Tasmanian Greens likely to use the cost blowout to attempt to further restrict greyhound racing in the state.