New tracks for Devonport greyhound and harness racing

Wednesday 11 November 2020

Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing
11 November 2020

In a massive boost for Tasmanian racing, the Tasmanian Government will contribute $8 million over the next two years to underpin the development of new harness and greyhound racing facilities in North West Tasmania.

With the proposed change in ownership of the Devonport Showgrounds and considering the age of the facilities, Tasracing has determined to build new racetracks for both codes of racing.

The new harness and greyhound tracks will be developed to the highest standards to ensure safe racing for horses and dogs.

The move away from the Showgrounds will allow for the proposed residential development to occur at the site providing a major economic boost to Devonport.

Tasracing has begun preliminary work on potential locations for new facilities, including the possibility of a tri-codes facility at the Devonport Racecourse at Spreyton, with consultation with the Devonport City Council, racing industry and other stakeholders to begin soon.

Agreement has been gained from the Devonport Agricultural and Pastoral Society and the new owner of the Showgrounds to allow racing to continue until March 2022, providing time to identify new racing locations as well as undertake construction of new facilities.

The Government and Tasracing want to ensure harness and greyhound industry participants, particularly those from North West Tasmania, have their input into this relocation process.

We are confident new facilities will provide enhanced benefits for trainers, drivers, owners, club administrators and volunteers, spectators and the many other racing participants who use the existing facilities.