Greyhound racing clubs across NSW will benefit from approximately $23 million in funding to undertake work to meet stringent new minimum safety standards designed to drive down injury rates in the sport.
This funding is in addition to the $7 million already spent on safety works Through the Government’s Greyhound Racing Capital Grants Program.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson was in Taree today to announce 20 racing tracks across NSW in tranche one will be upgraded to improve welfare outcomes.
“Through this investment the NSW Government is securing the future of greyhound racing in this State, while continuing our commitment to world-leading standards of welfare and care,” Mr Anderson said.
“These design standards for the State’s racecourses have been developed by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission based on leading research by the University of Technology, Sydney.
“The plan we are announcing today will ensure all tracks in NSW are upgraded to the minimum standards over the next three years.
“These standards put animal welfare front and centre and are yet another example of our ongoing commitment to a safer and stronger greyhound racing industry.”
GRNSW CEO Tony Mestrov welcomed the NSW Government’s endorsement of its plan for allocating funding across 20 NSW greyhound racing tracks.
“The release of Government funding for our plan will facilitate the development of world-class racetracks with an emphasis on safety and welfare,” Mr Mestrov said.
“There is still a bit of work left to be done and GRNSW will be continuing our consultation with all other clubs to make sure they have input into the future of our great industry and importantly all 32 clubs will benefit from this allocation of Government funding.”
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the Taree Greyhound Club has already started to reap the benefits from the $455,000 it has received under GRNSW’s Track Strategy.
“Taree Greyhounds is a local institution that is regarded as one of the best clubs in NSW and it is great news for everyone involved in greyhound racing in Taree that they are the first to have completed works under this round of funding,” Mr Bromhead said.
“Improving welfare standards is a huge and important part of greyhound racing and I’m thrilled that we’re setting the standard for every other club in NSW to follow.”
The NSW Government’s safety funding has been allocated according to the GRNSW Track Strategy, which directs this funding to the following 20 racetracks across NSW in tranche one. GRNSW will continue its consultation with the remaining 12 tracks in tranche two.
