A state-of-the-art greyhound racing facility that will be the new home of the sport in Queensland has been granted development approval.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said greyhound safety will be the number one priority for the design of the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre (GBGC) to be built at a site south of Ipswich.
"This facility will create 477 good jobs for Queenslanders during construction and contribute significantly to the great lifestyle of the local area," Ms Grace said.
"The GBGC will feature three tracks – a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track – with the health and safety of greyhounds at the heart of design and construction.
"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.
"Design features like appropriate radius and surface banking, air-conditioned kennels and world-class racing surfaces will be incorporated to achieve this.
"There will also be a veterinarian clinic on-site to provide quality care for greyhounds.
"Racing at the Centre 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 that will be incorporated in the Centre's design."
Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson AM said the project would redefine racing in the sunshine state.
"The approval of the GBGC is a momentous occasion for the greyhound code," Mr 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.
The project will be funded with $39.15 million from the Racing Infrastructure Fund.
Racing Queensland will soon tender for civil works at the Purga site, while further advance detailed design is conducted.
Racing at the GBGC is scheduled to commence in 2024.
Greyhound racing contributes more than $170 million to the combined economies of Brisbane and Ipswich each year, supporting about 1,200 full-time jobs.
