Plans for new greyhound and harness racing facilities in north-west Tasmania have been axed due to significant cost increases.
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins confirmed the decision on Wednesday and said the project had blown out from $18 million to $38.6 million.
He said the high price tag included the development and the purchase of 27-hectares of land adjacent to Devonport Airport.
“It is likely that the estimate will have increased further, which is why Tasracing advised the Tasmanian Government that it was not financially prudent to proceed,” he said.
“Tasracing has briefed industry stakeholders and participants about the decision and will commence work on an amended plan with these stakeholders immediately.”
The proposed racecourse would have provided a new home track for greyhound and harness racers in the region.
Racing Minister Jane Howlett said she has asked Tasracing to provide advice on an alternative solution.
“As noted in our election policy, this needs to be at the right price – not any price,” she said.
“We are also looking forward to working with Tasracing to implement our election commitment to invest $2 million in the Burnie, Spreyton and Carrick Racecourses to ensure that racing remains vibrant in regional and rural areas.”
Labor’s Racing Minister Luke Edmunds called the cancellation a side with the Greens and blow to the north-west coast racing industry.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
