July'07 - Greyhounds Queensland

Survey shows 79% wantto leave Albion ParkQUEENSLAND greyhound trainers votedoverwhelmingly to leave Albion Park in a recent surveyconducted by the QGBOTA.Some 79% of trainers who returned the survey weredefinite in their opinion greyhound racing had no future ifAlbion Park was developed as a dual complex with the harnessindustry.The 21% of trainers who wanted to stay at Albion Parkalmost unanimously cited its central location as an advantage.But, many of those who voted to leave the complex statedthe central location as an enormous disadvantage particularlywith the increased traffic around the central area of Brisbane.Traffic jams are now commonplace at all hours and thisthey said created a higher risk factor when trialling dogs,particularly in summer.With the rapid growth in Queensland this is a problem,which will only get worse.One reply stated that with the largest number of dogs beinglocated in the areas west of Ipswich, things would only getworse for those travelling to Albion Park.The Ipswich highway is always a car park at peak hourand any government plans to provide a better road systemwill not be operational until at least the year 2010.However, 23.2% of those trainers that originally wantedout of Albion Park were of the view they would be in favourof staying if the partnership was a true and equal partnershipthat afforded full consideration to the needs of both partners.A number of replies indicated that for the partnership tobe a true and equal agreement that would mean greyhoundtrials could be conducted at the earlier time of 7am ratherthan the current 9am start.Others also stated greyhound racing has become less of aspectacle when a track is placed inside a trotting track, as theatmosphere that was an integral part of the entertainment factorat the Gabba is completely lost.Some trainers saw an equal partnership as a sharing ofSaturday night race dates.One stated Saturday night is the "going out" night inBrisbane and if we are going to expose our sport to a publicwho may like what they see and become involved thenSaturday night greyhound racing is essential.Summary:In favour of staying at Albion Park 21%In favour of leaving Albion Park 79%In favour of staying if equal partnership 44.4%In favour of leaving regardless 55.6%On the subject of the greyhound industry becominginvolved with a gaming license to create income from pokermachines 83.8% were in favour of some level of involvement,4.6% said no and 11.7% said they did not have enoughknowledge to answer that question.Most replies indicated they would like to see the industryaccessing income from other activities such as a licensed clubproviding not only poker machines but good food,entertainment, conference venues and being landlord to minorsporting groups within the immediate community.All these would provide extra exposure for our industryand perhaps attract the next generation of greyhound trainerswho are disappearing as each year passes.The following areas were put forward as possible alternatesites to Albion Park:Kingston/Compton Rd, Logan City, Browns Plains,Boondall, Rocklea, Redlands Shire, Jimboomba, Goodna/Gailes, Lawnton, Deagon, Murrarie, Ipswich, Alberton, EagleFarm industrial area, Western side of Brisbane, RedbankPlains, Rochedale, GattonIn the vote for best track, Toowoomba, despite beingclosed for several years was in a tie with Sandown.Toowoomba 21.6%Sandown 21.6%Meadows 15.8%Cannington 10.5%Gardens 7.8%Ipswich 7.8%Others 14.9%Only 2.3% of those surveyed agreed that enough was beingdone to represent and promote the wishes of the greyhoundindustry in regards to the future of Albion Park.But 23.3% of those surveyed did not answer that questionor replied they did not have enough information to answer.Some 74.4% of responses were definite that not enough wasbeing done in this area.One response summed up the views of the majority: ôThereis not enough representation from greyhound participants inthe decision making processö.The common theme of responses to this survey appearedto be that the redevelopment of Albion Park would only be asuccessful venture if the partnership were true and equal.Many believe, in view of the current lack of co-operation(e.g. 9am trials), this is not possible.I’m Cute, I’m Cuddly, I’m AdorableTHE BRISBANE GREYHOUND RACING CLUB2007 SKY CHANNEL WINTER CHASING CARNIVALHawkins Media Solutions SuperstayersWinner $15,000 plus trophy and rugInvitation Best 4 greyhounds5 JulyGroup 1 Garrards Horse andHound Winter Carnival Cup 520mWinner $50,000 plus Trophy and RugBest greyhounds nominated.Nominations close 8.30am. Mon 9th July, 2007.Heats 12 JulyFinal 19 JulyGarrards Horse and Hound Winter CarnivalCup Consolation 520mWinner $5000For greyhounds that contested theWinter Carnival Cup HeatsTrainers must nominate for the Consolation NominationsClose 8.30am Mon 16th July, 2007.19 July...and I’m FastGARRARDSHORSE & HOUNDThe Club reserves the right to alter its programme at any time. All feature races will be graded in the opinion of the Greyhound Racing Authority Grading Panel,except where otherwise indicated. Nominations can be faxed to the Greyhound Racing Authority on (07) 3862 4437. Further details, especially concerning conditionsof nomination and trialling, can be obtained by contacting Sharon Darlington, on (07) 3862 1744 or by writing to the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club Inc.The (July, 2007) Journal Page 11