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Queensland Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Assoc

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  • RQ Acting Chair Resigns

    At a time when we need stability to process the racing review, the Acting RQ board chair, Jane Seawright has resigned.

    There is nothing from the ministers office or from Racing Queensland. The following is from an article from “The Straight“.

    Acting chair Jane Seawright resigns from Racing Queensland board

    Jane Seawright has announced her departure from Racing Queensland after seven years as a director, as the state government moves to overhaul racing governance and expand the board’s structure.

    By Warwick Barr ● Racing Industry ● March 9, 2026

    Acting chair Jane Seawright has resigned after seven years on the Racing Queensland board. (Photo: Netball Queensland)

    Jane Seawright will step down from the Racing Queensland board after seven years.

    Seawright, who has served as deputy chair and most recently as acting chair, said it had been “a privilege to contribute to the governance of an organisation that plays a crucial role in Queensland’s economy and regional communities”.

    During her tenure, Queensland racing experienced major financial growth, with its economic impact rising from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion, returns to participants climbing from $205 million to $369 million, and overall revenue nearly doubling to $460 million.

    She said one of the defining challenges of her time on the board was the COVID-19 pandemic, when racing continued in Queensland while most other sports were suspended. 

    “It has been a privilege to contribute to the governance of an organisation that plays a crucial role in Queensland’s economy and regional communities,” she said.

    “My focus has been on promoting transparency, disciplined decision-making, and building strong relationships with our racing clubs, which are vital to the industry’s sustainability.”

    Seawright also highlighted the industry’s infrastructure achievements, including the $90 million greyhound racing complex The Q at Purga and upgrades to venues across the thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound codes.

    “Visiting clubs of all sizes and seeing the passion and professionalism of volunteers and staff has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

    Her departure comes amid legislative reforms by Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander aimed at reshaping Racing Queensland’s governance.

    With Seawright’s announcement, Racing Queensland’s board will have four members following the departures of long-serving chairman Steve Wilson and Gold Coast Titans owner and businesswoman Rebecca Frizelle in December.

    Seawright has served as interim chair of the board since Wilson left in October.

    She took over as the Queensland racing industry awaited details of the McGrath Review, which was released in December.

    The review, led by former Australian Turf Club chairman Matt McGrath and titled The Next Lap, emphasised stronger governance and broader expertise for the board.

    Among the 110 recommendations in the report was for racing governance to be stabilised with a new hybrid model that will see all non-core functions of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission transition to Racing Queensland.

    It is expected that a modernised structure will give QRIC a clearer focus on delivering stewarding and integrity services, with an Independent Commissioner of Stewards reporting directly to the Racing Minister.   

    An independent Racing Infrastructure Board will also be established to ensure decisions are driven by evidence-based proposals and prioritised by industry needs throughout Queensland.

    Seawright described her fellow board members as “dedicated and knowledgeable leaders” and thanked them for their support throughout her tenure. 

    “Working alongside such committed colleagues has made my time on the board both meaningful and enjoyable,” she said.

    Through legislation changes, there is speculation that a nine-person Racing Queensland board structure will be enacted, with each of the three codes – thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing – represented.

    The expansion is designed to create a more efficient governance model and allow for more flexibility in the appointment process.

  • Answers from The Q Questions

    Answers from The Q Questions

    Friday Feb 27th we presented questions from members to the QGRC. We will put the answers here as they are received.

    Answers

    H14 – Friday March 6th. Will they still be able to cater to the Q1 Race afternoon? – No Access to facilities until after 5pm. Private function Only. See Release.

    Questions

       Section TB– Track BuildIf not QGRC please advise referral
    TB1Why did we ignore all the information from the Murray Bridge and Grafton build’s? 
    TB2Q2 Is it true that during construction the builders used the track sand to mix concrete, and this is why the wrong sand was laid onto the track? 
    TB3The stir up pen for the Q1 is a joke. Can’t see anything. The area needs to be raised higher so dogs can actually see the lure. When will this be fixed? 
    TB4The Q2 520m only has 80 meters to the first bend. It’s too short. 
    TB5Why does the Q1 run downhill into a bend? 
    TB6It took nearly a year to put in the Q1 required gate at the Catching pen. When are you going to erect a proper shade with Screens to see our dogs.  You can use the ones outside on the wall of the QST area that are never turned on.  We can’t see our dogs run during the race, have no sound out there and are clueless until the steward’s radio calls the numbers. 
    TB7When a trainer trials 4 dogs in 4 weeks succumb to hock injuries, does this raise any alarms or consideration for internal discussions? 
    TB8Puppy viewing boxes built into the fence lines of the Q1 and Q2. QST will have to put them into the rear fence line of the catching pen due to its poor design. And move the holding kennels around the corner. 
    TB9As you have no water in the car park for trial days are you going to have bottled water available? 
    TB10Feb 22nd23rd is the reason RQ was supposed to build a separate trial track, at a different location, like Dale Cartwright promised in 2019. 
    TB11Will we have power and water connected to the car park?  Water for Animal Welfare – as promised and power to cut down on all the CO2 from generators, and vehicles running, Plus the noise pollution? 
       Section A – Track Q1, Q2, QSTIf not QGRC please advise referral
    A1The excuse for the 12-month builders guarantee must have expired, when are they going to fix the problems or are the builders off the hook? 
    A2Is it true that the club is going to “Blend” the sand or patch replace the sand on the Q2? This is not what the report recommended from the Cup abandonment? 
    A3Why do management need to lie about track preparation mismanagement (Current Sand debacle) 
    A4Who is fixing the drainage at the Q2 and when? 
    A5When are you going to get rid of the fishing pole. Is this lure even Legal? 
    A6What is going on with the 10 boxes at the QST?  Is it ever going to be used or decommissioned and sold? 
    A7QST why are the boxes not properly Roll on/Roll Off and not against the rail as promised by Brenton Scott? Is it because we have the fishing pole width? When are we going to abandon that fishing pole as a failed experiment? 
    A8What is the point of the digital signs on the Q2 520 and 600 boxes? Are they going to say anything other than Ladbrokes. 
    A9When are signs going to be put on the boxes to label the date and race number?  Like every other racetrack in the world. 
    A10Catching Pen QST, squeaker makes dogs do sharp turns causing unnecessary strains on wrists and hocks. Who came up with this harmful idea? 
    A11Q2 why are we going out to stir up, then back in just to walk out another door to the boxes? 
    A12Will you ever hold QST 300m races for dogs higher than 5th grade? 
    A13Is it true that FTP and USP will never be given on the straight track? 
    A14It took nearly a year to put in the Q1 required gate at the Catching pen. When are you going to erect a proper shade with Screens to see our dogs.  You can use the ones outside on the wall of the QST area that are never turned on.  We can’t see our dogs run during the race, have no sound out there and are clueless until the steward’s radio calls the numbers. 
       Section B – Trials Q1, Q2, QST  If not QGRC please advise referral
    B1Is it true that you will automatically charge $2.50 per dog for staff to catch?  Then get a refund if they don’t?  What if I don’t ask but they offer? Or just do it without asking me? 
    B2If we are paying per catch, will these staff be qualified (catchers license) and accountable for any injuries sustained in this process?  If a greyhound escapes from a paid staff member, are they available to provide a statement to QRIC? 
    B3If you are charging $2.50 to catch, how much are you going to charge to box? 
    B4Why pay extra for staff to catch, when we are already paying for them to be there with trial fee’s. 
    B5When will the club stop people booking 1 dog trials but allowing them to trial 4 or 6 dogs? 
    B6Why does 1 trainer have personal trials after trials are finished when they already trialled more than double the allowed trials earlier? 
    B7Why can’t the Q get rid of On The Clock and revert to the old Albion system and hold staff and trainers to account for what they book. 
    B8Why are trials run efficiently and on time without delays on a Wednesday night, when every other trial session is behind time with a lack of co-ordination? 
    B12Due to the extreme Ipswich heat in summer, you should put large outdoor industrial fans in the car park to circulate the air.  They have them at festivals for heat prevention, what about animal welfare prevention because we can sit for over an hour because your trials are always behind. Not just heat but CO2 from cars and generators. 
    B13How can a trainer have more than 6 trials when it’s a 6-trial maximum? Using owners to book trials for the trainer to exceed the maximum is unacceptable. 
    B14How can trials suddenly be cancelled less than 24 hours before they are supposed to happen?  How did the Q1 trials get “cancelled” on Feb 22 for Feb23 for a “power harrow” surely this could have been scheduled better. 
    B15How are we supposed to trial dogs when you keep cancelling the trial sessions?  Where are we to trial now? Why didn’t they transfer trials to another track?  We have three apparently? 
       
       Section C – Trial Slipping tracks  If not QGRC please advise referral
    C1Is this ever going to be ready?  It was promised by Brenton Scott and Adam Wallish and all the committee members of the Ipswich and Albion Club. Just because you can’t prioritise what’s required for training young dogs is not a compromise for members to accept at this “world Class” and “centre of excellence” facility. 
       Section D – Injury Rates  If not QGRC please advise referral
    D1Are the trial injuries recorded? And where are they reported? Is this information available to trainers and/or the public? 
    D2Is there an injury evaluation process or discussion committee? 
    D3How many injuries have been recorded in the QST catching pen due to the lure and decoy lure system with sharp turns at full pace on Hocks and Wrist? 
    D4Where are the plastic splint’s for Left Rear, Right Rear, and front for fractures?  Does the club even have them anymore? 
    D5What training have the staff had to safety move an injured dog off track?  I saw a dog thrown into the back of the van without anyone holding them.  Unacceptable. 
    D6Are we going to call the Uni designers to explain why injury rates have not decreased? 
       Section E – The Vet Clinic and Animal WelfareIf not QGRC please advise referral
    E1What are the latest excuses for the vet clinic not happening? 
    E2Are you going to increase the shade over the walkway from the wash bay to the kennel block? 
    E3What are you doing about the hot sun on the bright white concrete walking dogs from the car park to the kennel block?  This burns dogs pads. 
    E4When are you going to put shade over the holding kennels at the end of the straight.  They are metal and get stupidly hot in the full sun.  You have shelter for the staff but not for the dogs?  No water either? 
    E5When a dog is injured on track, why is the van not driving up to the doors of the kennel block?  Why are we making injured dogs walk or be carried? 
    E6You should have 5 temperature monitors at the track, one on each track, in the car park (in the sun) and one in the open pen area by the kennel block.  Temperatures should be written on a board outside of the kennel block for everyone to see.  There is a QRIC heat policy so Vets can delay or abandon a meeting due to heat. 
    E7During the heat at Ipswich the water was right next to the stirrup. When dogs got over excited in the heat water was available to cool down pre-race.  When will the be available at the Q.  An escorted visit to the wash bay is not working. We should also have misting fans available at the stirrup on Q1/QST and Q2 and both have proper shading. 
       Section F – The Q Kennel block  If not QGRC please advise referral
    F1Why haven’t holes been cut in the mesh of kennel doors to hold water buckets yet? Capalaba can do it, why not the World class Q? 
    F2Why are random staff allowed to walk through the kennel block as a short cut? Track Hi-vis staff have no business in this controlled area. 
    F3Why are Kitchen staff allowed to walk open kitchen waste through the empty out areas?  This is a controlled area to be free of prohibited substances.
    Spilled chocolate milk can cause a positive swab.
    Can all waste be in closed sealed containers or find an  alternative location for the bins.    		 
    F4Not available during trials. We used to train young dogs to go through the scales on trial days. Can’t now it’s all locked up. Unrealistic for staff to open, kennel, then reopen to retrieve for trials. 
    F5Should be a sign outside to say what race is being called for prerace. 
    F6Should be a red/green light to say if stewards are in the room and available. 
    F7What is the direction of dogs in the pool?  Where are the signs? 
    F8The solution to the  drainage by the pool, so handlers are not walking through ankle deep water, is embarrassing.  An external pump with a square cut into the concrete.  I thought we couldn’t have the demountable buildings because they didn’t go with the “look” but this is OK?  Double standards. Get those demountable’s back and use them.  They were assets you abandoned. 
       Section G – The Q Trainer Facilities  If not QGRC please advise referral
    G1The toilets by the pool are always unclean.  When will there be more toilets for trainers other than the single one by the kennels. 
    G2The trainer’s area outside of the kennel block has not shelter from the weather or afternoon sun. We were also promised proper facilities like coffee/tea/cold water. 
    G3What are we paying a membership for?  Albion and Ipswich at least had coffee and tea available on trial days. 
    G4This was supposed to be World Class and a centre of excellence.  Brenton Scott and Adam Wallish said there would be warm up walker machines, and hydrotherapy walker machines. Where are they? 
    G5The car park shade cloth is useless. Replace it with a proper roof and have more cover.  It was a cheap trying to save money. No animal transport vehicles should be in full sun to get hot. 
       Section H – The Q Catering  If not QGRC please advise referral
    H1The emergency exit by the toilets is always full of rubbish, Same with the stairwell, this should not be an unsightly storage area for restaurant items. 
    H2The meals are stupidly expensive and take too long to be served. No way anything can be ordered, delivered and eaten within 2 races. Quicker to go down the road to Macca’s 
    H3At the AGM the committee Chair said there would be items put up on the walls in the restaurant area to show this is a Greyhound Track.  When will that be completed? 
    H4Friday March 6th. Will they still be able to cater to the Q1 Race afternoon? No access to restaurant or internal facilities until 5pm
       
       Section I – The Q Staff  If not QGRC please advise referral
    I1Why are staff parking in the trainer car park.  We are jammed in with trailers restricting ventilation and space. They can park behind the catching pen at the Q2. Get out! 
    I2Staff Uniforms, what do the different shirts Mean? “Staff” beige/Maroon, Black, HiVis and some wear casual non logo. Shouldn’t everyone have a “Staff” Shirt? 
    I3What is the Staff retention percentage rate? 
    I4How many staff do you need?  I counted 12 staff in the kennel block and still had to ask, and wait, to get my dog out to go home. 
    I5I cannot identify any staff, If I have a problem, its, That chick with the dark hair…? You can identify us; we need to be able to identify you.  It’s not always bad, sometimes I would like to thank a staff member for their help. 
    I6Should be a board on the wall to say who is the supervisor with photos. They do it a Maccas. 
    I7When will staff get handlers licences as per the GARs to catch and handle to be accountable or resign. 
    I8Why are staff clocking on two hours prior to kennelling to be paid for standing around? Is there an issue understanding a 24-hour clock? 
    I9Why is one of our best lure drivers a Race Day manager? But we continue to persist with 1 of the worst lure drivers against hundreds of complaints? 
    I10Can a copy of all staff procedures in the kennel blocks be available for trainers to view and eliminate confusion between instructions given by separate staff on different days? 
    I11What is the standard for new staff hires?  Do we take anyone who just show’s up?  What documented training is given to each staff at each area? 
    I12Have staff received the training demanded by the Q Investigation by Ainsworth after the Brisbane Cup abandonment? 
    I13How much are we paying for staff to maintain the landscaping outside of the immediate track area. RQ planned this, they should pay for it. 
    I14Three is a speed limit sign, but why are staff zooming around in their little agriculture vehicles?  Why are they driving around anyway during a race day? Shouldn’t they be doing their job? If not, they are not required? 
    I15Is there a list of all the staff saying who they are and what they do?  It seems like we have so many “management” staff walking around. Do we really need them all? 
    I16If your employees are not in a “staff” uniform, they must be off duty and have no rights to walk in any restricted area, or give me instructions. 
    I17Staff in training should be identifiable as “in Training” on their uniforms. It’s frustrating to ask for something and they can’t help. 
    I18One year since the Q opened.  Will the club be doing something for the full week or just the Thursday night favourites, and ignore the Provincial and Straight race days?  Maybe just a BBQ or a free food (value of $50) voucher for each member?  
       Section J – Finances  If not QGRC please advise referral
    J1Both clubs promised a vet clinic in the amalgamation to be paid for by the club funds. The amalgamation was built on a lie. Where did all the millions go from each club if it did not build the clinic? 
    J2Do we get a cut of the restaurant profits? 
    J3If trials are making a loss, when will the club start charging trainers when they book 1 trial for 1 dog, then turn up with multiple dogs for free? 
    J4The benefits of membership are negligible. Ipswich used to have free coffee from the café. 10% off food is nothing. Cents on the dollar.  There is a bigger discount for unrelated rugby players. 
    J5Why is the Q wasting money on a “Sports Bar” when we need a vet clinic now! As promised by Hall and Gleeson to get members to agree to the company transfer. 
    J6Sell off the Pokies and redirect the money to the Vet Clinic. Animal welfare is more important. 
    J7Why did we waste money with digital signs on the Q2 520 and 600 boxes.  That money could have been spent on anything else 
    J8The Kennels have been replaced; did we get a refund for the ones on wheels? Or just send more cash to China? 
    J9Why are you spending money on cheap shade gazebo’s that don’t last. When are you going to spend the same money for a permanent structure that can cover two yards from both sun and rain? 
    J10How much did we pay Allan Langer?  What financial returns do we make from him?  
    J11Why are we wasting money on more turf grass behind the wash bay?  It’s the same as the waste of money inside the Q2  That money should have been spent re-sanding the Q2 and fixing the drainage. 
    J12Who is spending money on erosion on an area that is never seen?  Surely, we can put that money to better use? 
    J13Is it true there is a finance committee?  What is their role, who is on it and where are their reports, minutes and solutions?  Otherwise, what is the point of them? I thought that’s why we had to have the RQ appointed directors to solve the finance problems with accountants? 
    J14What financial KPI’s are available to prove promotional costs have any returns? 
    J15Why are we paying committee when the club is broke. If the committee members are serious about the club, they should decline the money.  Are they still getting free food and drinks? For over 40 years it was all volunteers. 
    J16If management are losing money, why have they not been fired and replaced? 
    J17What is the rental agreement with RQ?  How much are we paying? 
    J18What are the profits from the pokies area 2024-2025 and Jul-Dec 2025? 
    J19How much is the lease on the restaurant? Do we get any revenue from the restaurant? 
    J20You made a loss of $3.75M last year, how much have you lost in the 6 months from July-Dec 2025? 
       Section K – General  If not QGRC please advise referral
    K1Have we ever contacted the Uni designers to answer for their poor designs? 
    K2Are the RQ elected committee members going to turn up to any raceday, or any committee members going to turn up at provincial nights to actually talk to members? 
    K3Does being a member from before the amalgamation even mean anything anymore? What loyalties do you have for us? Are we just an annoyance to be ignored? The Ipswich rugby club members get more than us. 
    K4We were promised regular updates from the committee.  Why did we get one newsletter with information already notified from Text messages and nothing since.  What do the committee talk about?  Can we at least have an agenda and when the meetings are to notify members?  You do work for us remember. 
    K5Committee members, Bellamy (resigned), Warner and Hall gave a spiel about rehoming during their speech to be elected.  When is the club going to hold its first open adoption day? 
    K6When are you going to rename a catching pen for Keith? 
    K7This is a Greyhound club, where are the photos and trophies that used to be at the Ipswich and Albion Club? 
    K8Auction Race not advertised for nominations?  Name change only known to Doug.  Owners and Trainers did not know when it was on and when to nominate? Used to be months of advertising in the lead up to the event. 
    K9What is the rule about kids at the track?  There is no promised kids club, so I must supervise my kids in the training area as the restaurant is not welcoming and has made complaints about unsupervised kids at the tables. If my kids are not running around, interfering with the greyhounds, what’s the problem? It’s illegal to leave them in the car. Stewards cannot charge my children and there is no GAR’s relating to minors. Stop pushing this to QRIC to solve. It’s your venue. What’s the solution here?  I can’t scratch because I have kids. 
    K10When will this all be handed over to the Rugby Ipswich groups and we pushed out?  Is it 3 years of 5? 
    K11Is it true that Garrard’s want a building for them, Rent Free? 
    K12When is the club going to do the race programming and listen to owners and trainers instead of letting Doug do what he wants? 
    K13Are the builders going to compensate for their failures to build basics like a stirrup pen? 
       Section L – The Q Investigation – Ainsworth Report  If not QGRC please advise referral
    L1When are you going to act on this report? What have you done so far? 
  • Lockout for Friday March 6th

    Lockout for Friday March 6th

    The QGRC has sent the following email, that may not have been received by all members.

  • Questions for the Q

    Questions for the Q

    At the request of members we have sent the following questions to the Q. We will advise updates as they are sent to us.

    Cover letter for questionsDownload

    QuestionsDownload
  • QRIC set their own standards

    QRIC set their own standards

    Current statistical data is extremely important for a range of reasons across the Queensland Greyhound Industry. This includes tracks, breeding, retirement and much more.

    This data is vital for Owners, Trainers and Breeders to make future decisions based on current information. All documentations, kennel transfers, Notice of Retirements, etc. have strict return dates that are prosecuted vigorously by QRIC with Monetary fines, Suspensions and Disqualifications for failure to meet these deadlines. We fail to understand why any processing standards by the QRIC office are not also set at the same high standard.

    The QGBOTA has again contacted QRIC for the long overdue Q2 Quarterly statistical reports. We will advise when they become available.

QGBOTA

Queensland Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Assoc

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