Three local greyhound racing tracks have been marked for significant changes in the future; Moree is closing, Tamworth will receive a new track, and Gunnedah has some upgrades on the way.
According to a Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) spokesperson, the changes across the State, and in the New England have been designed to ensure all greyhound racing venues meet standards for safety, animal welfare and occupational health and safety.
Tamworth’s old circle track will be retired as part of an agreement struck with the local club and replaced with a new straight track racing facility. Straights are considered safer for the dogs, who can receive life threatening injuries while trying to negotiate sharp bends at high speeds.
“The current Tamworth track is closing because we plan on building a brand new better one on a site we have secured at the Burgmanns Lane greenfield site, pursuant to a current memorandum of understanding in place between Tamworth Greyhound Racing Club (TGRC) and GRNSW,” the spokesperson said.
“GRNSW is committed to building better tracks; Tamworth is a great example of that; the bigger picture strategic direction we are pursuing for all participants across the State is centred on better and safer regional tracks, along with safe racing opportunities for all grades of greyhounds.”
The transition period is still being developed in consultation with TGRC and the greyhound community in the area. The Moree facility will be closed, and at this stage, won’t be replaced.
Moree to close, Gunnedah receiving upgrades
The spokesperson said the decision on which tracks would close was directly influenced by
the full facility audit conducted at every location including TAB, non-TAB, and trial tracks.
Key performance data associated with each venue and an assessment of where best to allocate limited budget resources were considered as well.
“Ultimately, decisions were based on welfare-led metrics, including the desire to have the safest tracks,” the spokesperson said
“The Moree closure timetable is subject to a period of transition to be negotiated with the club and community to implement those changes.”
Gunnedah’s greyhound racing track has also been marked for some changes. The facility is the subject of a $535,200 funding application for various upgrades.
Among the proposed upgrades are the completion of a brand new control and judges tower, funded by GRNSW with works managed by the Club, and a move to Wednesday afternoon in the 2025 financial year weekly racing schedule.
“Gunnedah is one of the tracks to be identified for more racing as part of the increase in TAB Country Class events scheduled in next year’s new racing calendar,” the spokesperson said.
“We have had positive feedback on this initiative, given that the TAB meetings for Country Class greyhounds will offer more prizemoney per race than what was previously on offer at equivalent non-TAB meetings.”
Business as usual at Tamworth for now
Tamworth’s current track on Gunnedah Road will stay open for now, and races will continue as normal.
President of the Tamworth Greyhound Racing Club, Robert Munn, said he received the news about the closure about two weeks ago, but to his knowledge, it’s business as usual for now.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a date for closure just yet, and there has been no development application (DA) submitted for the new track,” he said.
“We held ten races over the weekend, on Saturday, and will continue until we are told otherwise.”
According to Robert, during discussions with GRNSW, it became clear that the Tamworth track couldn’t be saved due to the high cost that would come with upgrades.
“It was going to cost too much to get the track up to code and meet the minimum standards,” he said.
The New England Times attempted to contact the Moree Greyhound Racing Club for comment on the track closure but did not receive a reply before publication.
Greyhound track deaths reach all time low
Former NSW premier Mike Baird abruptly announced a ban on greyhound racing in 2016 but backtracked after significant backlash and criticism. Instead, the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission made recommendations to reform the industry and improve animal welfare.
The Greyhound Racing Act 2017, containing the minimum standards for the industry and racing tracks, was published in June 2020.
According to the GRNSW spokesperson, GRNSW’s current strategy has paid off by reducing the rate of track deaths from 140 in the 2017 financial year, to just 20 over the course of the 2024 financial year.
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small donation today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now.