Date: 2008-03-20
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The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club’s $1.2 million redevelopment brings the facilities in line with the world’s best occupational health and safety practices, Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls said today. On a tour of the new-look facilities at Beckley Park racing complex, Mr Hulls said the renovation meant the dogs were more comfortable and the facility was safer for staff and greyhound handlers.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club’s $1.2 million redevelopment brings the facilities in line with the world’s best occupational health and safety practices, Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls said today.
On a tour of the new-look facilities at Beckley Park racing complex, Mr Hulls said the renovation meant the dogs were more comfortable and the facility was safer for staff and greyhound handlers.
The Brumby Government has provided $600,000 towards the cost of the renovations through the Racing Industry Development Program (RIDP). Greyhound Racing Victoria matched the figure.
“Greyhound Racing Victoria has shown real leadership in addressing occupational health and safety issues associated with kennels at greyhound racing tracks across the state,” Mr Hulls said.
“GRV wants to bring the State’s greyhound racetracks into line with the world’s best practice facilities and the new facilities at Geelong demonstrate this commitment.”
Mr Hulls said the new kennel complex was the latest chapter in a long and proud history of greyhound racing in Geelong.
“Greyhounds first raced in Geelong in 1936 at Nelson Park,” he said.
“In 1956, greyhound racing moved to the Corio Oval, the Geelong Football Club’s former home, before settling at Beckley Park in 1980.”
The renovations at Beckley Park include an updated office administration building and new plastic kennels to reduce noise on race nights and trials.
A new single-level kennel design reduces the need to lift dogs, making work conditions safer.
“An updated air conditioning unit in the kennel room will provide state-of-the-art comfort for the greyhounds, particularly in the warmer months,” Mr Hulls said.
“This renovation means that the safety of staff and greyhound handlers is assured, and the greyhounds are more comfortable and ready to perform.
“Congratulations to Greyhound Racing Victoria and the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club on these forward-thinking renovations.’’
The Victorian Government committed $20.6 million to support major capital improvements at country racing and training venues across Victoria through the RIDP between 2006 and 2008. This includes $9.3 million committed in the 2007-08 budget.