Critics claim, new sand track won’t stop greyhound deaths at Bundaberg

Despite plans for a safer sand surface, recent fatal injuries raise doubts about improving safety at Bundaberg’s greyhound track.

CLEAR LENGTH: Cabello Mucho takes the win at the Thabeban Greyhound Racetrack in Bundaberg.

The Queensland Government’s plan to build a safer greyhound racing track in Bundaberg has sparked backlash from animal welfare advocates, who say the new sand track will not eliminate the risk to dogs.

President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, Amy MacMahon, criticised the state’s continued support of the greyhound racing industry.

“It is astounding that in the middle of a housing and cost of living crisis, the LNP Queensland Government is willing to blow millions in public money on a new greyhound racing track,” Ms MacMahon said.

“There are no safe greyhound race tracks.
“The government is either deluded or lying when they say that a new track in Bundaberg will be any better.”
The government’s new ‘Q’ track in Ipswich, opened in March, has been the scene of five greyhound deaths.
Two died in the trial run for the Q.

Bundaberg’s greyhound racing track is expecting another upgrade.

Ms MacMahon questioned the purpose of the government’s racing review, calling it a ‘farce’ in light of the pre-emptive decision to invest in new infrastructure.

But a spokesperson for Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Racing, said the review was proactive and had clear priorities.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to the care and welfare of racing animals, which is why it has been detailed as a priority in the Terms of Reference for the Racing Review,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a proactive review.

“Preliminary works for the Bundaberg track have identified a number of options, and the final design will adhere to the highest animal welfare standards.”

The existing grass track in Bundaberg was closed in September 2024 due to safety concerns.
A $1.4m upgrade completed prior to the closure was labelled a failure by Racing Queensland, who cited high injury rates and voted in favour of converting the track to sand.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission also weighed in, saying it is working to reduce injury rates through new strategies.

“QRIC takes animal welfare and integrity in the racing industry very seriously and is committed to ensuring all racing animals receive high standards of care,” a spokesperson said.

The start of race one at the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club.

Questions about the specifics of the track’s design and implementation were referred to Racing Queensland.

Meanwhile, CPG has called for the track funds to be redirected to retrain greyhound sector workers and transform racing facilities into green space or affordable housing.

“Australia is now a global embarrassment as one of just five countries that still have active commercial greyhound racing,” Ms MacMahon said.

“New Zealand announced last year that they are phasing out greyhound racing. It’s time for Australia to finally take a seat at the adult’s table and end greyhound racing.”