A $1.2 million injection from the NSW Government will ensure a safer and stronger greyhound racing industry in Western NSW, Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders has said.
Announced by Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson on Tuesday, the funding will enable the region’s greyhound clubs – including Dubbo and Coonamble – to undertake crucial work to meet stringent new minimum safety standards at their tracks.
“This is the most significant investment in greyhound track safety in the State’s history,” Mr Saunders said.
“Through this investment the NSW Government is securing the future of greyhound racing in the Dubbo electorate, while at the same time continuing our commitment to world-leading standards of welfare and care.
“This funding will ensure that clubs across Western NSW can get cracking on new infrastructure that will put welfare standards and outcomes front and centre.
“These design standards have been developed by the Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission based on leading research by the University of Technology, Sydney.”
The NSW Government’s safety funding has been allocated according to the Greyhound Racing NSW Track Strategy, which directs this funding to 20 racetracks across NSW in tranche one. Greyhound Racing NSW will continue its consultation with the remaining 12 tracks to determine their funding needs in tranche two. The funding breakdown across clubs in Western NSW will be announced in the coming months.
“When regional greyhound racing is safer and stronger, regional NSW is safer and stronger,” Mr Saunders said.
“I want these tracks in Dubbo and across Western NSW to be fully compliant with these new design standards as soon as possible. I’m looking forward to announcing further details very soon about these very important projects.”