Question On Notice No. 745 asked in the Legislative Council on 12 May 2022 by Hon Dr Brad Pettitt
Question Directed to the: Minister for Emergency Services representing the Minister for Racing and Gaming
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the recent Northam greyhound track upgrades undertaken by Racing and Wagering Western Australia, based on recommendations made by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2021. The tracks re-opened on 2 May 2022, and a greyhound died on the track that same day, and I ask:
(a) which companies were engaged to carry out the upgrades;
(b) who was ultimately responsible for signing off on the upgrades and whether the track was safe to reopen;
(c) what was the total cost of the upgrades;
(d) how many and which of the recommendations made by the UTS in 2021 have been implemented at Northam; and
(e) how did a fault of the lure result in the greyhound death on 2 May 2022?
Answered on 14 June 2022
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has provided the following advice:
(a) This was a RWWA managed project, which included several contractors: Tracc Civil Pty Ltd; Van Kuyl Holdings Pty Ltd trading as John’s Motor Trimmers; Diesel & Dust Enterprises Pty Ltd trading as Avon Valley Contractors; Martin Edward Seskas trading as Seskas Welding Service. It is important to note: the incident that occurred at the Northam track, was not associated with the work undertaken by these contractors, as part of the upgrades.
(b) The RWWA stewards, taking into account relevant advice from Professor Eager from the UTS with respect to any works.
Specifically with respect to the approval for racing to resume at Northam this included:
- Written confirmations from Professor Eager with respect to the completed works commissioned in accordance with the UTS reports.
- Prior to the recommencement of racing at the Northam track, the RWWA stewards approved a four-week trial period after conducting a track inspection.
- After the completion of over 100 trials, feedback from WAGRA, trainers and attendance stewards, approval to recommence racing was given by stewards.
(c) $235,769.61
(d) RWWA worked with UTS to confirm the appropriate immediate works for the Northam track, including:
- Track surveying and regrading.
- Establishment of inside and outside plinths.
- Cross fall and transition recommendations.
- Removal of 588m start box.
- All track maintenance recommendations have been implemented.
(e) A mechanical issue resulted in the lure failing to accelerate at a speed to create the normal separation between the lure and the greyhound at completion of the race. The separation post-race will cause greyhounds to slow and arrive safely at the catching pen area.
The failure of the lure to accelerate at the standard pace on this occasion, unfortunately caused the leading greyhound to continue to chase and collide with the catching pen gate, sadly resulting in euthanasia by the On Track Veterinarian.
This was not related to the renovation work and racing remains halted at the venue until stewards are satisfied it can return safely with respect to the lure.
Four races were safely completed on 2 May 2022, prior to the incident occurring.