QUEENSLAND’S peak greyhound racing body will amend the development application for its planned Logan track after the State Government announced a major funding boost for the racing industry earlier this month.
Greyhounds Queensland (GQL) welcomed the announcement with part of the $80 million pledge likely to be channelled to its Cronulla Park project, described by Treasurer Andrew Fraser as a “key priority’’.
Previously the track was to be built using only the $10 million compensation the industry received from the closure of The Parklands track on the Gold Coast.
While the amount GQL will receive from the $80 million package hasn’t been determined, the group hopes to proceed with a larger development, including a multi-storey grandstand and two race tracks.
The funding announcement drew strong criticism from State Member for Beaudesert, Aidan McLindon, who said a greyhound racing facility was not right for Logan given the city’s problem gambling issues.
The LNP member said the track, coupled with the proposal to bring 200 new pokies to the city through the Brisbane Lions project, provided a “double whammy for a crippled area’’.
“It’s ridiculous when areas of Logan have some of the highest unemployment levels in Australia. There has to be a direct correlation because it’s also got the highest gambling per capita in the state,’’ he said.
“I certainly don’t have any objection to that form of business taking place but it just doesn’t make sense. You wouldn’t set up a candy store outside a dental clinic.’’
However, State Member for Woodridge Desley Scott said it was a positive for the city to have a more substantial facility.
“I’m not a proponent of gambling at all but I understand a lot of people are interested in greyhound racing and I imagine it will provide a facility that can be used to bring more people in to the area,’’ she said.
“I think people with a gambling habit find a place to gamble wherever they are.
“I don’t think locating a track in Logan will exacerbate problem gambling.’’
Issued by whereilive.com.au 21st January 2010
http://albert-and-logan.whereilive.com.au/news/story/logan-dogs-project-grows/
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