Green Light: Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre

QUEENSLAND greyhound racing will finally get a replacement home after the development approval was granted for the state-of-the art facility at Purga, near Ipswich.

Racing Minister, Grace Grace, announced on Thursday that the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre (GBGC) would officially go ahead.

It is expected racing will start at the complex in 2024.

The industry has been waiting since 2008 for the final approval of a replacement for the Gold Coast Parklands complex, a replacement promised by a number of state governments.

"The GBGC will feature three tracks, a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track,” the Minister said.

"Racing Queensland is engaging with experts in track design and injury prevention in order to build a centre that is as safe for dogs and trainers as possible.

Construction on the multi-million Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre will commence during 2022/23 after receiving planning approval from the Palaszczuk Government.

More on the new home of Queensland greyhound racing ? https://t.co/z4fLjlu9NS pic.twitter.com/htZehXLZRb

— Racing Queensland (@Racing_QLD) September 8, 2022

"Design features like appropriate radius and surface banking, air-conditioned kennels and world-class racing surfaces will be incorporated.

"There will also be a veterinarian clinic on-site.

"Racing at the complex will be broadcast to 60 nations around the world, putting the industry in Queensland on show to a global audience.

"The community will also benefit from the construction of a multipurpose function centre incorporated in the Centre's design."

Racing Queensland chairman, Steve Wilson, said the project would redefine racing in the sunshine state.

"The approval of the GBGC is a momentous occasion for the greyhound code," Wilson said.

"Not only will we deliver a state-of-the-art racing complex, but we will provide an invaluable community asset.

"GBGC is a once-in-a-generation project and we look forward to delivering a local amenity that will be enjoyed for decades to come.”

The GBGC will replace current greyhound tracks at Albion Park and Ipswich and will be funded with $39.15 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund.

Included in the participants to welcome the news was premier trainer Tony Apap.

"Let's be honest, we have been waiting for a new track, especially a one-turn track, for a long, long time," Apap said.

"But having the three tracks in the one complex can only be a major boost to greyhound racing in this state.

"The prizemoney for greyhound racing is great.

"From the moment this announcement was made, I have been getting feedback from many in the industry that this is a very positive move.

"Yes, we have been waiting long enough, especially for a one-turn track, so we can certainly wait another couple of years to 2024. Those who have contacted me are very excited about this announcement."