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NSW GBOTA Moves to Secure the Future of Greyhound Racing in Broken Hill
The New South Wales Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association (NSW GBOTA) has formally provided a paper to the Board of Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW), outlining a practical pathway to secure the future of racing in Broken Hill.
The proposal, developed in a similar framework to work undertaken regarding Wagga, details NSW GBOTA’s intention to work toward a Heads of Agreement with the Broken Hill Greyhound Racing Club aimed at preserving racing and ensuring the facility meets required minimum track standards.
Under the proposal, NSW GBOTA has outlined a commitment to assist in taking on the costs associated with achieving the minimum track standards — issues which have been central to concerns surrounding the continuation of racing at the venue.
NSW GBOTA Chairman Geoff Rose said Broken Hill presents a unique opportunity for the industry and should be viewed as an important strategic asset rather than a challenge to be abandoned.
“Broken Hill presents its own unique ecosystem within the greyhound industry,” Mr Rose said. “We believe greyhounds in this environment can continue to be utilised in a meaningful way, rather than entering rehoming pathways prematurely.”
Mr Rose said NSW GBOTA’s proposal is based on a broader philosophy of industry optimisation — ensuring every part of the greyhound industry is used to its greatest potential.
“Optimisation means strategically using every industry asset to the best of its potential,” Mr Rose said. “That is real optimisation.”
“The industry has endured significant turmoil over the past year, and participants in areas such as Broken Hill could not even celebrate Christmas without feeling sick about what the future may hold for their livelihoods, communities, and animals.”
The paper outlines practical ways to ensure the continuation of racing in Broken Hill while recognising the region’s unique circumstances and opportunities. NSW GBOTA said the organisation has worked extensively on a plan designed to ensure racing can continue in Broken Hill with the support of the Association, providing certainty for participants and helping maintain an important regional racing community.
Support for the continuation of racing in Broken Hill has also been strongly backed by local government and regional representatives, including Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy and State Member for Barwon Roy Butler.
“Council maintains its strong support for the survival of the Broken Hill Greyhound Racing Club, and we warmly welcome the efforts of the NSW GBOTA to secure an urgent review by GRNSW to reverse the closure decision immediately,” Mayor Kennedy said.
“Our local greyhound meetings have seen continual growth since becoming a TAB track, and the competition provides vital local employment and helps sustain our economy.”
“The closure of the greyhounds would be particularly devastating for Broken Hill given our isolation. At a time when sporting clubs across the country are struggling, it would be extremely disappointing to see a successful and growing organisation such as the Greyhound Club be closed due to circumstances beyond their control.”
Roy Butler also expressed strong support for the NSW GBOTA proposal and the continuation of racing in Broken Hill.
“I strongly support Broken Hill Greyhounds and believe the closure of the track would be against the interests of the Broken Hill economy and the wider community,” Mr Butler said.
“Greyhound Racing NSW’s proposal to close Broken Hill Greyhounds is another example of metropolitan leaders making decisions that impact regional people without proper consultation or understanding.”
“I would encourage the NSW Government to ensure the GBOTA package is approved by Greyhound Racing NSW.”
Mr Rose said the NSW GBOTA remains committed to working constructively with industry stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for Broken Hill racing.
“This is about finding solutions, supporting regional participants, and ensuring Broken Hill continues to have a future in greyhound racing,” Mr Rose said.
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