Geelong Greyhounds Get $6.2 million redevelopment

Geelong Greyhound Racing Club will get a new grandstand and a redeveloped racetrack in a $6.2 million funding boost, providing improved facilities for Geelong families, Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls has announced.

Deputy Premier Hulls said the project represented the most significant redevelopment of a greyhound track since The Meadows track was built in 1999, stating "greyhound racing has been part of the Geelong district for more than 70 years and this overhaul of the facilities at Beckley Park will secure its future in the area for many years to come.

"Not only will this project create construction jobs during the redevelopment phase, but it is expected 17 extra people will be employed in either full-time or part-time jobs once it is completed.

"The redevelopment of the track and grandstand will create improved facilities for greyhound racing participants, fans and the broader community.

"The dining capacity in the redeveloped grandstand will increase from 100 diners to 240, providing a great venue for community members outside the racing industry to celebrate weddings, birthdays and special occasions, and for the business community to use for conferences and seminars."

The Victorian Government is contributing $4.3 million to the project from the $86 million Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund, which was established with the racing industry and is the biggest single commitment to racing in Victoria.

Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is contributing $1.9 million to the project, which is expected to allow racing to resume at Beckley Park in December.

Minister Hulls commended GRV and the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club for taking a proactive approach to environmental responsibilities in the design of the new grandstand and racetrack, adding "once completed, this grandstand and racetrack will boast a range of environmentally-friendly features including a water recycling process that will recapture approximately 80% of all water used, or about six million litres every year.

"Greyhound racing is an active part of the community, as can be seen every Saturday when the club hosts a community market. In addition to the wonderful new grandstand, the racetrack at Geelong will also undergo significant changes that will make it one of the best provincial tracks in the country."

Greyhound Racing Victoria's Chief Executive John Stephens said the redevelopment of the Geelong venue was an exciting investment for one of Australiaâs most prominent greyhound racing regions.