Update on the Devonport harness and greyhound track

The Rockliff Liberal Government is a strong supporter of the Tasmanian racing industry which generates $185 million in economic activity and supports more than 5800 jobs across the State.

Tasracing has identified 27ha of private land opposite the Devonport Airport as its preferred location for a new North-West harness and greyhound racing track.

Minister for Racing, Felix Ellis, said that the Latrobe Council recently voted in favour of the North-West Track Development Application.

“The Tasracing Board has recently written to the Tasmanian Government indicating that the total cost of the North-West project has increased from the initial assessment of $18 million to $38.6 million,” Minister Ellis said.

“This request is being considered and we will work with Tasracing to understand the rationale behind the significant increase.

“This is an important piece of infrastructure for the North-West Coast and the racing industry, but it is important that it is built for the right price, not just any price.

“Together with the Treasurer, I have written to Tasracing requesting substantive additional information to enable Government to make a fully informed decision in relation to this request.

“We will work with Tasracing on this matter, but I have made it clear that we need to see a lot more detail on this project around the business case, given the significant cost increase.”

Minister Ellis said the Tasmanian Government and Tasracing remain committed to ensuring harness and greyhound racing have a long future on the North-West Coast, however, significant additional detail is required to justify expenditure in this range, including certainty for the revised estimates and anticipated timing.