Central West Greyhound Centre of Excellence Update

We wish to bring to your attention the following question, which was asked in NSW Parliament by Mr. Philip Donato, Member for Orange on 23rd August, 2023:

Mr PHILIP DONATO (Orange) (12:13): My question is directed to the Minister for Gaming and Racing. In light of the Bathurst greyhound track being destroyed in last year’s floods and the advancing negotiations between the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association and Orange City Council for a $15 million greyhound racing centre of excellence at the disused Orange track, will the Minister update the House on what the Government and Greyhound Racing NSW are doing to progress and support this much‑needed facility?

The SPEAKER: Before I call the Minister to answer, I draw his attention to the clock.

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Gaming and Racing, Minister for Veterans, Minister for Medical Research, and Minister for the Central Coast) (12:14): I will be quick. It is good to talk about something that is not controversial. I thank the member for Orange for his question and his commitment to his community, particularly with regard to greyhound racing. Like the member for Orange, the Government is committed to competitive, safe and sustainable greyhound racing in New South Wales, particularly in the Central West. With regard to the Orange site, I note and applaud the councillors from Orange City Council who in March this year voted to back the use of the former trotting track for greyhound racing. The rehabilitation and use of that land in Orange for greyhound racing is estimated to provide a $20 million boost to the local economy and local jobs.

Currently, I understand that Greyhound Racing NSW and the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association are in active negotiations with both Orange City Council and Bathurst Regional Council about a greyhound racing centre of excellence in the Central West. However, I note that it is a commercial decision by the relevant organisations and there are sensitivities in commenting publicly on the progress of those negotiations. I look forward to receiving an update on the centre of excellence proposal in due course. I understand that that decision may be imminent. We will find out about it. More broadly, $30 million has been committed for conditional grants to fund improvements that promote track safety and greyhound welfare across the State. We are committed to delivering an industry that is safe and puts animal welfare first. I thank the member for Orange for his question.