Racing Minister Felix Ellis has today admitted Tasmanian racing’s worst kept secret – that the cost of the new north-west track has blown out to close to $40 million.
North-west greyhound and harness racing participants were told about the cost blowout on 7 June this year. It beggars belief the Government has taken five months to learn about it.
It must be remembered that TasRacing, with the full support of the Tasmanian Liberal Government, voluntarily exited the lease at the Devonport Showgrounds – a venue with a long term lease that was regularly used. Jeremy Rockliff and Felix Ellis, as local members, then went to the last election promising a new harness and greyhound racing track.
Today’s statement by Minister Ellis is extremely concerning. It appears as though he is prepared to leave these participants without a venue indefinitely.
It’s a kick in the guts to our hardworking harness and greyhound trainers who deserve a Minister who has their back – not one that has to think about it.
This is a Minister for Racing who was prepared to back a Kristie Johnston Inquiry to shut down racing. If he is not going to back racing in the heart of his electorate on the north-west coast, it is hard to see him doing much better than Madeleine Ogilvie did.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Racing
