News Updates

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=175 BGCOLOR="#CCCCCC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="1017" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFCC99" BORDERCOLORDARK="#000000" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFCC99 HEIGHT= 134 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="1422ed810.jpg" border=0 width="1005" height="129" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF HEIGHT= 14 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gold Coast Greyhound Racing">Home</A>  |  <A HREF="committee.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Committee">Committee</A>   |   <B>News Updates</B>   |   <A HREF="ourposition.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Position">Our Position</A>   |   <A HREF="ourproposal.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Proposal">Our Proposal</A>   |   <A HREF="ourvision.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Vision">Our Vision</A>   |   <A HREF="plans.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Plans">Plans</A>   |   <A HREF="correspondence.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Correspondence">Correspondence</A>   |   <A HREF="facts.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Few Facts">A Few Facts</A>   |   <A HREF="membership.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Membership">Membership</A>   |   <A HREF="contactus.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us">Contact Us</A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=275 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="991" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="981"><div> <B><U>NEWS UPDATES</U></B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 536 WIDTH="981"><div> <B>Gold Coast fury at Logan dog dump plan</B></div> <div> <I>Taken from the Gold Coast Bulletin - Written by Daniel Meers - July 8th, 2009 </I></div> <bR> <div> TEN Million dollars in compensation -- to build a new Gold Coast greyhound track -- is poised to be spent on a facility which will force dogs to race on top of a methane gas breeding ground.</div> <bR> <div> The Queensland Greyhound Racing Authority, given the money after the State Government closed Parklands to build a hospital, is hell-bent on a building the new track on a dump at Logan.</div> <bR> <div> The move has infuriated industry participants who are shattered the Gold Coast will not host top level greyhound racing. </div> <bR> <div> The Gold Coast Greyhound Racing club yesterday vowed to step up their push to have the track built on the Gold Coast.</div> <bR> <div> Gold Coast Greyhound Racing Club president Dave Irwin said there had been reports which showed methane gas would be present on the site until 2018.</div> <bR> <div> "It's got to go to the Gold Coast," he said. "There was $10 million compensation given for the closure of the Gold Coast track and anyone in their right mind, who wanted to try and promote an industry, would put it in the tourist capital of Australia wouldn't you?," he said.  "Not in the middle of Logan."</div> <bR> <div> Irwin said the club was currently looking into a number of potential sites on the Gold Coast which could be used for the track.</div> <bR> <div> Racing Minister Peter Lawlor has met with the club and has a preference for the track to remain on the Gold Coast, but is yet to put substantial pressure on the governing body.</div> <bR> <div> Meanwhile Queensland and Western Australian Derby winner High Earner will go into next week's $38,000 Imagetec Gold Coast Cup as favourite after blitzing his field in the heats.</div> <bR> <div> It will be the first time the famed race is run at Brisbane's Albion Park after Parklands was closed to make way for the hospital.</div> <bR> <div> The Christine Robartson-trained dog is leading the market for the Group 2 event.</div> <bR> <div> Brisbane Greyhound Racing club boss Luke Gatehouse said the race had attracted a strong field.</div> <bR> <div> "During the entire Winter Carnival we have had some of the best fields I have ever seen, and this means that we are getting quality finals," he said.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 1253 WIDTH="981"><div> <B>QUEENSLAND GREYHOUND RACING</B></div> <div> <B>FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR PROGRESS</B></div> <div> <B>RESEARCH AND</B> <B>DISCUSSION PAPER</B></div> <bR> <div> The Gold Coast Greyhound Racing Club has initiated research enabling all Queensland Clubs and other key industry stakeholders to make a contribution to an independent discussion paper on the development of our industry over the next five years.</div> <bR> <div> The paper “Queensland Greyhound Racing Five -Year Plan for Progress” will be presented to the Queensland Minister in Charge of Racing Mr Peter Lawlor who has recently met with members of the Gold Coast Greyhound Racing Club. </div> <bR> <div> This is a highly positive initiative being undertaken in the best interests of our industry, by providing stakeholders with the opportunity to have their input via a professionally prepared report that will be presented directly to the Minister.</div> <bR> <div> Your contribution will assist in the establishment of a blueprint for the future of Greyhound Racing in this State, from an industry grassroots level.</div> <bR> <div> Our goal is to brief the Minister on all important issues that are significant to Greyhound Racing currently and to get your views on how our industry can be made more successful over the next five years.</div> <bR> <div> This initiative has emerged following our very positive discussions with the Minister in regard to the establishment of a flagship, three-track racing complex on the Gold Coast.</div> <bR> <div> The Minister has agreed that a proposal to establish a major new Gold Coast sports, entertainment and racing precinct has merit and that new facilities for the GCGRC should be included in this complex.</div> <bR> <div> As you are aware there have been a number of critical issues that have had negative impacts on our industry, which, in our view is in steady decline.</div> <bR> <div> It is our view that there needs to be higher levels of consultation and communication among key stakeholders to address key issues and to gain input from all concerned on urgently needed solutions.</div> <bR> <div> We encourage support for the Minister who has clearly demonstrated to us that he is keen to work for the betterment of our industry and welcomes your input.</div> <bR> <div> The research and report will be conducted by Spence Consulting a highly experienced Gold Coast based public relations consultancy. </div> <bR> <div> <B>To provide your input please take the following steps:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>(The results of this research will be summarised and presented to the Minister for Racing</B> <B>only</B>; <B>any requests from the Minister for further information will be directed to respondents for consideration).</B></div> <bR> <div> 1/ Please list key issues that are currently having a negative impact on the industry.</div> <div> Under each issue state the actions you believe are necessary to find a solution and bring about a positive outcome. (Please be concise - responses in point form are preferred).</div> <div>  </div> <div> 2/ How do you rate the current status of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry?</div> <div> Either tick one of the following or provide an alternative written response.</div> <bR> <div> Highly positive</div> <div> Positive</div> <div> Neutral</div> <div> Negative</div> <div> Highly negative</div> <bR> <div> What factors have contributed to your rating? (Please respond in point form).</div> <bR> <div> 3/ Are you concerned about the future of the industry over the next five years, without major reforms? </div> <bR> <div> YES</div> <div> NO</div> <bR> <div> Comment:</div> <bR> <div> 4/ What do you think the goals of the industry over the next five years should be?</div> <div> (Please respond in point form).</div> <bR> <div> 5/ What should be the most important priorities of the industry over the next five years, if these goals are to be achieved? (Please prioritize in point form).</div> <bR> <div> Please respond by <B>5pm Friday May 8, 2009 </B>to Rod Spence at Spence Consulting via email: <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="mailto:rod@spenceconsulting.com.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:rod@spenceconsulting.com.au"><U>rod@spenceconsulting.com.au</U></A></FONT> or fax: 0755 313 646 or post: </div> <div> PO Box 4450 Ashmore Plaza, Ashmore, QLD 4214.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Dave Irwin </B></I></div> <bR> <div> President </div> <div> Gold Coast Greyhound Racing Club</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="981"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="981" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="981"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="981" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="151"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="151" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="829"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="829" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="981"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="981" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=30 BGCOLOR="#CCCCCC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>