Concept plans for a major upgrade of the Goulburn greyhound track have been finalised featuring a new straight track, lighting to enable night racing, and safety improvements to the existing round track.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is working with Greyhound Racing NSW on the $6 million upgrade to the track which would transform Goulburn into a state-of-the-art facility and provide a huge boost for the industry in southern NSW.
“Now that concept plans have been finalised, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) will continue to progress the project and get shovels in the ground as soon as possible,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Goulburn upgrade would also see the installation of floodlighting allowing the facility to host night racing for the first time, and an upgrade of the existing round track with improved cornering and running surface for racing and trialing.
“The project includes an automated irrigation system and Safe Chase remote lure which further improves safety by completely removing the cable and roller operation."
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman welcomed the announcement which will boost the local economy while providing a better facility for trainers.
“Upgrades to our track will bring people to town and provide better facilities for our local trainers. I welcome this announcement which will allow Goulburn to hold better races in conditons that are focused on animal welfare,” Ms Tuckerman said.
“It’s great news that Goulburn is set to become home to the State’s second TAB straight track following the recent opening at Richmond. This is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improve greyhound welfare standards across NSW."
Mr Anderson also announced the Greyhound Racing NSW Board has appointed a new CEO in Rob Macaulay.
“Mr Macaulay has been involved in the greyhound industry for many years and I welcome him as the new CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Macaulay said GRNSW is committed to upgrading and maintaining regional tracks.
“We are delighted with the support of the NSW Government for this exciting new development at Goulburn.
“The new straight track, lighting installation and improvements to the existing track will deliver a first-class racing venue for GRNSW and its participants.
“It is a great outcome for the sport in the southern regions, but also places Goulburn as a destination for visitors from across the State.”
Goulburn Club President Gary Clark described today’s announcement as the “most important racing project” in his club’s history.
“This has been a five year plan which after determination and persistence, we are finally going to see the most important racing project in Goulburn implemented,” Mr Clark said.
“With the continued support of GRNSW Deputy CEO Wayne Billett and former CEO, Tony Mestrov along with the State Government headed by local, MP, Wendy Tuckerman, and the pro-active Goulburn Mulwaree Council, the development will provide the southern part of the State with a centre of excellence.
“There has been unlimited hours of hard work and meetings during the past five years with all parties and now we can look forward to one of the best racing centres in the country.
“With the remodelling of the circle track and the installation of track lights, it will see Goulburn conducted night racing for the first time in any of the three codes. The most exciting part of the work is that Goulburn will provide the second new TAB straight track in NSW.
“I was determined to see us conduct straight racing under lights for the first time anywhere and that will now be a reality. Night racing will also help us introduce knew people to the sport, it opens many opportunities for us and the industry, locally.
“Already we have had leading trainers settle in or near Goulburn and the club has had a number of enquiries from trainers in different regions regarding real estate.
“We (Goulburn) have never sat on our laurels and are always looking to improve and develop racing here, as has been the case over the past 12 years, even now I’m thinking beyond today.”
