Today marks the shutdown of greyhound racing on the North West Coast. It also puts huge stress onto harness racing, with only Burnie remaining and trainers required to travel to Launceston or Hobart to race for most of the year.
In 2020, the Liberals committed to $8 million for new greyhound and harness tracks, but during the last state election replaced it with $2 million towards upgrades. It refused to say whether it would build the north west track.
It will undoubtedly lead to industry exits and job losses.
Jeremy Rockliff now has the same policy as the Greens on North West greyhound racing – that is to shut it down.
Jane Howlett made the commitment to build a new track when she shut down racing at Devonport. She has broken her promise and is too embarrassed to talk to the industry.
Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Racing