Tasracing Abort Plans For New North-West Track

HOPES of a new state-of-the-art greyhound and harness facility being brought to life in the north-west of Tasmania have been dashed.

Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins announced on Wednesday that a significant blowout in costs had made the proposed development on land adjacent to Devonport Airport unaffordable with plans scuppered as a result.

"The total anticipated cost of the proposed project increased from the initial assessment of $18 million ($10 million capital funding contribution from Tasracing and $8 million from the Tasmanian Government) to an estimated $38.6 million in September 2023, including the cost of purchasing the 27-hectare construction location," Jenkins said.

"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."

News that the highly anticipated project won't continue comes as a bitter blow for greyhound and harness racing participants in the north west of the state.

Greyhound and harness racing participants have been starved of racing in the region since the demise of racing at Devonport Showgrounds amid much turmoil in March, 2022.

But in a small ray of light, Jenkins has declared that Tasracing will commence work on an amended plan to "provide greyhound and harness facilities that suit the daily requirements of north-west coast-based trainers".

"Tasracing has briefed industry stakeholders and participants about the decision and will commence work on an amended plan with these stakeholders immediately," Jenkins said.

"Tasracing's shareholder ministers have requested the company provide advice on a solution that will meet the needs of industry, which we will provide as soon as practical."