The Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club (BGRC) is set to benefit from the construction of a new kennel building which will improve the quality and safety of racing and training infrastructure at Morshead Park.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the upgrade with more than $1.6 million provided through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund with Greyhound Racing Victoria matching the contribution, bringing the total value of the project to more than $3.3 million.

The new purpose-built facility will set a new standard for greyhound care in Victoria, prioritising animal welfare and the health and safety of trainers and participants.

The project will deliver a new fully enclosed building that is more energy efficient and provides improved accessibility.

The design provides more natural light and grass outdoor areas and includes 112 kennels as well as new wash areas, private isolation kennels, a swab kennel bay and stewards’ room and storeroom.

The upgrade will see the new kennel building constructed alongside the existing kennels with construction expected to take 12 months.

The track will close to racing for two weeks following completion of construction to allow for the demolition of the old kennel building and transfer of services.

The greyhound racing industry in Victoria generates more than $640 million for the economy and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.

Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines

“The design and construction of this new building will set the standard for greyhound care across the state – we’re proud to support this important upgrade.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This kennel upgrade will ensure Ballarat remains a key player in Victorian greyhound racing and will help the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club continue to engage with the local community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The racing industry makes an enormous contribution to regional Victoria both economically and socially – this funding will ensure the highest standards of greyhound welfare here in Ballarat.”

Quote attributable to Greyhound Racing Victoria Chair Peita Duncan

“The project to upgrade the kenneling area at the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club strongly demonstrates Greyhound Racing Victoria’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of facilities at our racetracks, ensuring comfort and safety for all participants, staff and of course our athletes, the greyhounds.