The NSW government announced $1.2 million in funding on Friday for the Goulburn Greyhound Racing Club, which will be put towards the installation of new lights and safety improvements.
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Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Racing Paul Toole joined greyhound trainers, owners and enthusiasts in making the announcement.
Mr Barilaro said the announcement was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to rehome the greyhound industry from the Canberra region following the ACT Government’s prohibition of greyhound racing.
“Greyhound racing is a favoured pastime for many, and by improving the Goulburn racetrack we are supporting the relocation of the club in the short term,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I’m thrilled to be able to deliver this interim solution for the trainers, owners and enthusiasts who have been without a venue for night race meetings since the ban in the ACT,” he said.
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) is committing $500,000 to the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $700,000.
Mr Toole said GRNSW continues to work collaboratively with greyhound racing clubs to improve track safety across the state and this contribution will fund brand new lights to enable safe night race meetings.
Mr Barilaro and Mr Toole also took the opportunity today to launch a business case to determine the location and suitability of a future greyhound track in Queanbeyan.
“Canberra Greyhound Racing Club fought the ACT Government on the decision to ban the industry, but the group has now committed to moving across the border,” Mr Barilaro said.
“That is why the NSW Government and GRNSW are now launching the business case to get the ball rolling to bring the greyhound industry to Queanbeyan.
“A new track will inject spending, generate jobs and give the greyhound industry a new home in our growing city.
“Queanbeyan is the ideal location to see racing continue in the region, and is the latest sign of this government’s commitment to a socially responsible and viable greyhound industry.”
Greyhound Racing NSW has commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to undertake the independent assessment that will shape the future of greyhound racing in Queanbeyan.
Mr Toole said the study would look at whether the new track could be co-located with an existing sporting facility in Queanbeyan.
“The study will look at how a new track could be built in line with recommendations from the ongoing UTS study into optimal track design, to ultimately enhance animal welfare standards,” Mr Toole said.
