Key Takeaways:
- The NSW Labor government plans to redevelop Wentworth Park, the home of greyhound racing in Sydney, into community sporting grounds and a park.
- The decision is expected to deal a significant blow to the viability of the greyhound racing industry in NSW.
- The redevelopment will include the creation of new community open space, sports fields, and public green space, as well as the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 7,300 new homes.
- The greyhound racing industry has faced criticism over animal welfare concerns, with many calling for the sport to be banned.
- The NSW government will work with the greyhound industry to support the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks.
Introduction to the Redevelopment Plan
The NSW Labor government has announced plans to redevelop Wentworth Park, the home of greyhound racing in Sydney, into community sporting grounds and a park. The 14-hectare site, located just 1.5km west of the CBD, will be transformed into new community open space, supporting up to 7,300 new homes. The decision is expected to have significant implications for the greyhound racing industry, which has faced criticism over animal welfare concerns.
The History of Greyhound Racing in NSW
Greyhound racing has a long history in NSW, with Wentworth Park being a major hub for the sport. However, the industry has faced increasing criticism in recent years over animal welfare concerns. In 2016, the former Liberal premier Mike Baird attempted to ban greyhound racing after revelations about the treatment of animals, but a backlash from the industry and associated interests caused him to reverse his decision. The current premier, Chris Minns, is positioning the announcement as a positive for the wider community, highlighting the creation of new homes, playing fields, and public spaces.
The Redevelopment Plan
The redevelopment of Wentworth Park will include the demolition of existing facilities and the creation of new community sports fields and public green space. The 3.3-hectare sporting complex precinct will be converted into community sporting fields and public green space, allowing for the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 2,500 homes. An additional 4,800 homes are already planned or approved nearby, bringing the total potential for new housing in the area to 7,300. The detailed planning for Wentworth Park will be led by the City of Sydney, which has already conducted community consultation on turning the dog track into sporting fields and open space.
Reaction from the Greyhound Racing Industry
The greyhound racing industry has expressed disappointment at the decision, with the chief executive of Greyhound Racing NSW, Steve Griffin, stating that consultation with the government on Wentworth Park had been "very limited". Griffin has called for the lease to be extended for a few years to allow time to redevelop a new metropolitan racing precinct in western Sydney. However, the NSW government has stated that it will work with the greyhound industry to support the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks, with $10m to be allocated to the greyhound capital grants program for upgrades to tracks.
Animal Welfare Concerns
The decision to redevelop Wentworth Park has been welcomed by animal welfare advocates, who have long criticized the greyhound racing industry over its treatment of animals. The lord mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, has stated that greyhound racing is "cruel, barbaric, outdated and unsustainable" and has no place in modern society. The industry has been shown to have killed up to 17,000 healthy dogs each year, and has been linked to live-baiting and other forms of animal cruelty.
The Future of Greyhound Racing in NSW
The decision to redevelop Wentworth Park is likely to have significant implications for the future of greyhound racing in NSW. The industry is expected to be relegated to country NSW, with the NSW government supporting the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks. The government has stated that it will continue to support a competitive, responsible, and sustainable greyhound racing industry, but with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity. However, with the industry facing increasing criticism and scrutiny, it remains to be seen whether greyhound racing can continue to operate in NSW in its current form.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of Wentworth Park marks a significant shift in the NSW government’s approach to greyhound racing. The decision to prioritize community space and housing over the interests of the greyhound racing industry reflects a growing concern for animal welfare and the need for more sustainable and responsible practices. As the industry faces an uncertain future, it is likely that the debate over greyhound racing will continue, with many calling for the sport to be banned altogether. Ultimately, the redevelopment of Wentworth Park represents a major step towards creating a more sustainable and compassionate community, and a significant blow to the viability of the greyhound racing industry in NSW.