Plans to revive NQ dog racing

GREYHOUND Clubs Australia has provided a submission to Racing Queensland with their plans to reinvigorate greyhound racing in the Far North following a meeting between the parties.

RQ met with representatives of GCA and the Queensland Breeders Owners and Trainers Association late last month.

GCA executive officer David Simonette (pictured) said they received a fair hearing from RQ with plenty of opportunity to state their case.

“The outcome was for GCA to provide a submission to RQ about how Cairns could be reinvigorated and made sustainable,” Simonette said.

“That document has been completed and has been forwarded to them.

“There are no promises from RQ but they are open to examining our plan which is a positive step. It also looks to ensure they have access to the best resources to run the administration of the Cairns club.”

Simonette used the examples of Capalaba and most recently Bundaberg to show how fortunes can be changed around with adequate thought and effort.

“Really it comes down to RQ’s appetite to provide a lifeline to the club. The weather is a big issue as is its isolation so it is not easy. But I think it is very achievable if all parties work together,” he said.

Late last year, RQ decided not to extend the licence of the Cairns club into 2019 after abandoned meetings marred the club in the second half of 2018, while they also had concerns over greyhound and trainer numbers in the region.