BY CHARLOTTE LLOYD
The Muswellbrook Greyhound Club will upgraded to TAB status, the State Government's latest campaign announcement in the Upper Hunter by-election.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson met with representatives from Greyhound Racing NSW, and the Muswellbrook Greyhound Club on Wednesday.
“We have seen in Gunnedah and on the Mid North Coast that when these clubs are upgraded, there is a direct benefit to the community through increased visitation and money spent in the local economy," Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Perrottet said the
funding for track upgrades will improve the spectator experience and increase
animal welfare in NSW.
“The greyhound racing
industry is an important sector for many communities in NSW which is why we are
committed to giving punters top notch facilities which will also go a long way
to ensuring the safety of the dogs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This new upgrade will
bring people into town who will stay in local hotels and shop at local stores,
putting money straight back into the community.”
Mr Anderson said the
NSW Government will work with GRNSW to determine what works are needed to bring
the track up to TAB status.
“The Upper Hunter is
home to a large and passionate group of owners, trainers and greyhound racing
fans who have been calling for TAB racing to come to the region,” Mr Anderson
said.
“I inspected the
facility last month and heard from the club, participants and community about
their strong desire to reinvigorate greyhound racing and bring this track up to
TAB standard.
“In the last few years we have seen a true resurgence in the greyhound racing industry in NSW, and this Government will continue to back GRNSW and our local clubs with projects such as this one.”
The upgrades will be funded as part of a $30 million investment in the Greyhound industry from the NSW Government.
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| Image Credit: Muswellbrook Greyhound Racing Club Facebook Page |
