THE INDUSTRY
THE QGBOTA
RACING QUEENSLAND LIMITED.
HISTORY
Over the past ten years under Greyhounds Queensland the industry found its self in a downward spiral with no end in sight. Greyhounds Queensland refused to consult with anybody and set about closing down racing throughout the State.
You are all aware of the closures, Mount Isa, Burdekin, Mackay, Lawnton, Toowoomba, Beenleigh, and the Gold Coast. With Cairns, and Bundaberg on the way to closure. Some of these areas are the fastest growing areas of the State. Without a doubt we were the only industry to close in these areas everything else grew. We not only closed them down but did so without any attempt to grow the code. All these areas were crying out for entertainment.
Greyhound Queensland were offered M$10. as compensation for Parklands and these funds would have built a replacement facility in the area. We could have been racing on it to day had it been relocated to the Helensville area.
Instead Greyhounds Queensland resolved to do a deal to use a dump site at Logan. The project was never possible or justified, on Greyhounds Queensland figures it would cost M$27 to M$40 and they never had more than M$10. Greyhounds Queensland did not obtain any enforceable documentation regarding compensation for the Gold Coast facility and it now appears to have been lost.
Along came Racing Queensland and our Greyhounds Queensland dropped us into the takeover. In many ways just as well because Greyhounds Queensland was imploding at such a rate it may well not have been viable today. The industry and the QGBOTA opposed the takeover but Greyhounds Queensland was not listening. It is note worthy that the only people in favour of the amalgamation deal with Racing Queensland are the very people that are now attacking Racing Queensland and the QGBOTA.
Against all Business Principals and Practices, Greyhounds Queensland did not do any paperwork, no contracts, no agreements, no enforceable arrangements, what so ever. Greyhounds Queensland met with the QGBOTA at the direction of the Minster and we asked about the written arrangements...were they enforceable, and was there provision for us to get our assets back if Albion Park was sold and the takeover did not work out. We were told that they had no intention of getting any of the above and that it was not necessary.
Since Racing Queensland took over, the QGBOTA has been consulted on a regular basis. It is true on a wide range of issues our recommendations have not been adopted but we are still better off having some input and discussions than not at all, as was previously the case.
CURRENT QGBOTA POLICY
Current policy on a number of issues is listed below . These policies have not been determined by the Committee but by the membership at General Meetings.
TRACKS
While we had supported Racing Queensland development plan in principal as the only way forward the recent "lock down" of Albion Park for the EI virus and the recent knowledge that the Hendra virus can be transferred to Dogs, has now changed the position and stand alone facilities are essential for any new greyhound tracks.
The QGBOTA Policy is for three Brisbane tracks located on the Northern corridor, Western corridor, and Southern corridor south of Beenleigh.
While the location of trainers will always be a major consideration for any new track, approx 25% of trainers are located on the North side and have no track at all , marketing considerations must also be considered for the code to enjoy maximum growth.
If the industry is to obtain funds from the sale of Albion Park, now somewhat doubtful, we can not squander them all on one location, hence our desire for three locations as above.
The industry can never prosper in the south east corner alone. We need a State wide revival of the destruction caused, we believe, by Greyhounds Queensland.... it is our only hope for an expanding and vibrant greyhound industry in Queensland.
INCENTIVE SCHEME
The QGBOTA is not an advocate for the current Incentive Scheme...in meetings with Racing Queensland our proposals included Breeder Bonuses to give Breeders an incentive to increase their breeding of future racing stock...our proposals were rejected by Racing Queensland. It is their contention that the best course is to provide an increase in prise money to owners to stimulate the demand for pups and induce new players into the industry. They have agreed to review the position after the scheme has been in operation for twelve months. Until the review they are not prepared to discuss the matter further.
RACING QUEENSLAND LTD.
Some actions taken by Racing Queensland have been commendable. The prize money increases could never have happened under Greyhounds Queensland and we understand that further increases are planned. Townsville and Rockhampton clubs are now TAB and this has been a big win for the code in those areas. Cairns, Bundaberg, and Capalaba clubs have been saved and this is another major contribution.
The hated FOL has been done away with.
We have not got everything we asked for but progress has been made for the first time in a decade. Because of Local Councils, Political action and action by the Harness code the sale of Albion Park and the proposed development at Deagon are currently in 'limbo"...this situation we believe will not be resolven until the result of the upcoming State Election is known.
CONCLUSION
We are seeking a meeting with Racing Queensland to discuss the recent development regarding the Microchipping of all greyhounds at the abnormally high cost of $20.00 per greyhound, by the end of the year...members will be advised of the outcome of these discussions on the Web-site shortly.
Should you wish to discuss any of the above matters further please do not hesitate to do so by asking a committee member by telephone or discussion at The Track.
Ralph Chandler.
Nov 2011
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