Track fix: cash splash breaks battle

Greyhound racing will move away from Devonport’s showground thanks to an $8 million commitment set to be confirmed in tomorrow’s state budget. The funding will break an impasse over the future of the site, allowing racing to continue in Devonport while clearing the way for a residential development

The Advocate 11 November 2020 p1

The Advocate 11 November 2020 p3

 

Media statement

From Tasracing, Devonport Agricultural and Pastoral Society and Devonport Showground Project

The future of racing in North West Tasmania has been secured following agreement between Tasracing, the Devonport Agricultural and Pastoral Society (DAPS) and the Devonport Showground Project.

 

The agreement is the result of cooperation between the parties to deliver a positive future for racing in the North-West; the advocacy of primary production and farm enterprise in North West Tasmania; and the redevelopment of the Devonport Showground for the benefit of all Tasmanians.

Tasracing has already commenced the process of investigating alternative sites to host the two racing codes in the North-West.

Tasracing and the Government will closely consult with North-West and other racing stakeholders over coming weeks, including the North West Greyhound Racing Club and the Devonport Harness Racing Club to plan fit-for-purpose facilities for the codes.

Under the agreement, racing activities will relocate from the showground by March 2022 to a new facility.

The showground has been the main racing venue for the harness and greyhound codes on the North-West Coast for decades, currently hosting 52 greyhound meetings and 14 harness meetings each year, with $2.3 million in prize money distributed to participants.

The agreement will also enable DAPS to continue its important work of promoting pastoral and agricultural interests in the wider Devonport region for many years to come.

The $75 million Devonport Showground Project will now proceed, with the full support of all parties, providing the Devonport community with more than 200 new homes, 600 jobs, and countless community opportunities. Preparations for this innovative and sustainable community project will continue with the local community with the first new home and community facilities commencing in 2022.

 
Homes, Jobs, OpportunityLisa WhiteThe Advocate