Proposed NSW track closures add further to greyhound gloom

The Racetrack Optimisation Report by Deloitte Australia proposes cutting the number of racetracks across the state from 25 to 15.

Commissioned by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), the report also outlines the potential for a second-stage reduction to 12 as part of an ambitious plan to make the industry more sustainable and financially viable.

In May, industry stakeholders met at the GRNSW Industry Future Summit, where there was unanimous agreement that “optimisation” was critical to the sport’s long-term survival.  

GRNSW’s announcement comes as it awaits a government decision on an extension of the lease at Sydney’s Wentworth Park before confirming the future of metropolitan racing.

The industry’s lease at the track expires in 2027 with the NSW government expected to make a decision on an extension by the end of 2025.

Deloitte’s independent analysis has since recommended a three-stage implementation plan to reshape the state’s racing footprint.

Under the first stage, all remaining non-TAB tracks – including Coonamble, Kempsey, Moree, Potts Park, Tamworth, Wauchope and Young – will close by the end of 2025. 

Some may continue to operate as trial tracks if their local clubs choose to do so. 

Lithgow, previously a non-TAB venue, will be upgraded and incorporated into the 15-track network.

The second stage, to be completed by June 30, 2026, will see the closure of the three TAB tracks at Wagga Wagga, Maitland and Broken Hill in a move that GRNSW chief executive Steve Griffin acknowledged would be difficult for regional communities.

“Greyhound Racing NSW has been in contact with all of the clubs which will be impacted by the optimisation recommendations,” Griffin said.