Following recent media reports regarding racetracks in Victoria, GRV advises it is continuing to develop and finalise its 10-year Victorian Greyhound Racing Industry Infrastructure Plan, incorporating feedback from the discussion paper released earlier this year.

GRV appreciates the pressures that having multiple venues out of action at the same time is placing on participants and we are working to address those issues, whilst responsibly and strategically managing GRV’s financial position.

Whilst the Victorian Greyhound Racing Industry Infrastructure Plan will be a statewide, long-term planning document, the immediate focus of concern is the South East and Gippsland region. GRV provides the following information update:

Traralgon:

An updated track design and plans have been finalised and cost estimates are currently being sourced to assist in the preparation of business cases for each option to allow the GRV Board to undertake the necessary due diligence on the best option.

The options being considered are:

1. a racing venue to fill the ‘short course’ racing void, with a one-turn, 360m start, as well as a puppy/education start for trialing purposes; and
2. a trial-only facility.

No decisions have been made and the only infrastructure that has been temporarily relocated from Traralgon are some starting boxes that are being used at the city tracks whilst the boxes at those two tracks are being refurbished.

Cranbourne:

The Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club have completed significant reports and studies to compliment a business case required to form part of the application for external funding.

It is anticipated the business case and request for funding documentation will be ready for submitting before the end of 2024. GRV continues to support the Club wherever possible as it endeavors to secure the required funding for the construction of the approved one-turn racetrack that was design finalised after extensive consultation in early 2023.

Kilmany:

The Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club has submitted plans to council to develop a multi-purpose greyhound racing and training facility at Kilmany, on land the Club recently purchased as part of its strategic plan.

GRV applaud the Club for this initiative and supports their strategic plan. The Club’s plan is to construct a racing compliant straight track, trial-ready within three years, with the potential of racing in 3-5 years, subject to approvals and funding opportunities for racing required infrastructure.