THE region’s latest multi-million-dollar asset was officially launched with a ‘wow’ factor featuring a showcase of track speed and a dazzling light and laser special effects show.
Hundreds of people visited The Q greyhound facility at Purga for the opening night celebration of what has been described as a world-class facility.
State Minister for Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander was among those impressed with what had been delivered at the former home ground of the Swifts Rugby League Club.
“It’s an asset for racing and the local Ipswich area as well,” Mr Mander said.
“It’s a great boon to the economy and this facility is definitely the best in Australia and probably the best in the world.
“It’s just wonderful and it’s got that real wow factor.”
Mr Mander was a former National Rugby League referee from 1998-2005, officiating at the 2000 World Cup and in Ashes and Tri-Nations international matches.
He rated The Q comparable to any sporting facility he had seen around the world.
“If you are looking at sporting infrastructure which is top class, this definitely falls in that category so congratulations to everyone that has been involved with it,” he said.
Mr Mander acknowledged the efforts of the previous Labor Government in kickstarting The Q plan with Racing Queensland in 2022.
“There is bipartisan support for good projects and this is one of those and it’s great that two governments can be involved in this facility,” he said.
Mr Mander was part of the official opening with Racing Queensland deputy chair Jane Seawright helping unveil the official plaque.
“It’s a fantastic venue and it’s going to be wonderful for greyhound racing … and it’s going to be a wonderful community centre for the people around here,” Ms Seawright said.
A 10-race program was staged on the Q2 Parklands track, one of three racing surfaces at the 39 hectare state-of-the-art venue.
Queensland Hall of Fame trainer Tony Brett shared in the celebration with his greyhounds Sooty Keeping and Canya Escape finishing first and second in the main race – the $225,000 Flying Amy Classic final over 520m.
The Classic is among a feast of major prizemoney races at The Q, which is a Racing Queensland partnership between the former Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club and Albion Park operation.
A group of animal welfare protesters waved placards at the main entrance as guests arrived for the official opening.
However, they later left peacefully.
Ms Seawright acknowledged their concerns, saying the new facility was designed with the best safety features.
“We are here for the welfare of the dogs and that’s the thing that’s really good,” she said.
“There are a lot of people whose livelihoods depend on it and it’s our job to make it as safe and profitable as it can for everybody.”
