Newcastle Greyhound Track Named Deadliest in NSW to Share in $5.2 Million Dollar Safety Upgrade

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Gardens Greyhound Track has been promised a share of $5.2 million for upgrade works to meet new safety standards.

The new track design rules are being rolled out in the hopes of driving down injury and death rates in the sport, with the Birmingham Gardens course named the deadliest in NSW in 2019, with 250 injuries, and 8 deaths.

The design standards have been developed by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, based on research by the University of Technology, Sydney.

The funds will be shared between the local track and one located in Gosford, to be upgraded over the next 3 years.

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson says the tracks need to be safer for the dogs. 

"That includes on the bends, and the straights need to be of the right position, the starting boxes, and catching pens and so on." 

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds' President, Dennis Anderson, says he hopes to see big changes at the track.

"We would like to see the track be modified to meet the standards laid down by the University of Technology Sydney," Mr Anderson says. 

"That is that the track should be straight, the number of dogs in the race should be reduced down from eight to six, and the lure should be repositioned from the inside rail to the centre of the track."

He said it remains to be seen if the new industry track standards have adopted all of the recommendations by UTS, and codes approved by the Government last year allow dogs to be kept locked up in cages for 23 hours every day. 

31 greyhounds have reportedly been killed nation-wide while racing in 2021, 13 in NSW. 

An announcement on specific funding and a timeline for the local project is expected to be made in coming weeks.  

New Ambulance Stations Open at Birmingham Gardens and Rutherford

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Two new state of the art ambulance stations have been opened at Rutherford and Birmingham Gardens on Tuesday. 

They will replace ageing facilities in the area and expand operations, with additional resources for training and logistics. 

NSW Ambulance's, Jordan Emery, says the station at Birmingham Gardens means more paramedics for the community.

"We have 24 paramedics working out of here on a full time basis, and that means we operate two ambulance day shift  crews, an afternoon shift crew, and a night shift crew."

"They work in a network right across Newcastle, with a whole lot of other resources and neighboring stations to provide the most timely ambulance response to the community." 

Mr Martin said local paramedics were involved in designing the stations, which will better serve the needs of the community.

“The community can be assured that NSW Ambulance is committed to providing the best out-of-hospital clinical care to all patients across the region and throughout the state, even at times of high demand,” Mr Martin said.

The new purpose built stations feature: 

• Internal parking for up to seven emergency ambulance vehicles
• Administration and office areas'
• Staff amenities
• Multi-purpose meeting & training room
• Logistics and storage areas
• Wash bays
• Staff parking

In addition, the new station at Rutherford features an education facility and zone management office area.

NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Clare Lorenzen said the new facilities are crucial services for thousands of residents.

“This project is an important step in the delivery of high-quality mobile emergency care to the people of Birmingham Gardens, Rutherford and surrounding areas,” Ms Lorenzen said.

The Birmingham Gardens Facility

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Deputy Director of Clinical Operations NSW Ambulance Jordon Emery, NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Clare Lorenzen, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery

Clare Lorenzen, and Jordon Emery