The NSW Government has committed an extra $10 million to the Greyhound Capital Grants Program to ensure greyhound racetracks across the state meet minimum track standards to support animal welfare and safety.
This commitment brings the total additional funding to $20 million to assist the transition of Greyhound Racing from Wentworth Park, ensuring that future race meetings are conducted at racetracks that meet safety standards.
This funding is part of the Government’s response to the Drake Inquiry to require the industry to implement revised track standards and ensure the highest standards of animal safety.
“We’ve committed this extra funding to ensure the welfare of greyhounds remains a top priority as greyhound racing transitions from Wentworth Park,” said Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris.
“The NSW Government will continue to support a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity.”
The boosted investment in safety coincides with the first race meeting held yesterday at the newly rebuilt Lithgow track. The work has seen a complete rebuild of the Lithgow track to meet minimum standards, including a widening of the track and installation of a new wider lure to stop the dogs from bunching when racing.
In December last year, the Government announced the future of Wentworth Park, with the site set to become a community sporting, recreation and open space precinct to support new homes close to public transport, jobs and education.
