Track upgrade programme launched ahead of New South Wales greyhound racing centenary
All greyhound racetracks across New South Wales will be upgraded to meet new welfare and safety standards.
Australia.- Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced a 2026-27 Track Upgrade Programme that it describes as “the most significant investment in racing infrastructure in more than 40 years.” The initiative aims to ensure all greyhound racetracks across New South Wales comply with newly approved Minimum Track Standards (MTS) by June 30, 2027.
The 2026 Minimum Track Standards approved by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) establish the technical and physical requirements for all racing venues in the state. According to GRNSW, they represent a substantial enhancement of the 2020 standards after a review conducted jointly with GWIC and supported by independent technical experts.
The compliance deadline aligns the 100th anniversary of greyhound racing in the state in May 2027. Racetracks will receive infrastructure upgrades designed to improve safety and reduce serious injuries, while many clubs will also get revamped facilities and public amenities.
Taree has already achieved compliance with the new standards, while Grafton is expected to become compliant later this month following the completion of a new safety rail. The redevelopment of the Lithgow greyhound racing venue is on track for completion in September ahead of a planned opening in November.
Upgrade works are underway at Dubbo and projects are set to begin shortly at Gosford and The Gardens. Works at Richmond Straight and Temora is planned for later this year, with GRNSW targeting eight MTS-compliant tracks by the end of 2026.
During 2027, upgrades will be carried out at the remaining racetracks in Goulburn, Richmond, Gunnedah, Nowra, Maitland, Bulli and Casino.
Steve Griffin, GRNSW chief executive officer, said: “While it is an obligation under the Ministerial Operating Licence that all of our tracks are up to MTS by next year, the work which GRNSW is conducting is about safer racing, better welfare for our greyhounds and presenting a better product and experience for those attending our venues,” he said.
GRNSW also confirmed that planning continues for a new Sydney metropolitan greyhound racing venue in Western Sydney, which is expected to become the sport’s new flagship facility following its departure from Wentworth Park.
“We hope to be in a position to share with participants where our new Sydney Metropolitan Racing venue will be, and what it will look like, by the end of this year,” Griffin said.
