Several NSW greyhound racing tracks will close as others are upgraded as part of a new safety push.
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More than $18.3 million will be allocated for projects to make the sport safer for dogs and people, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) announced on Thursday.
The strategy is aimed at bringing race tracks up to defined standards for safety, animal welfare and occupational health and safety.
The changes would come at the cost of some regional race tracks, GRNSW chief executive Rob Macaulay said.
"There will be a period of transition negotiated with clubs and communities to implement those changes," he said.
In the state's central west, Coonamble's track would close, Lithgow would be upgraded as soon as possible and Orange would get 52 race dates if someone else built a new, compliant track, GRNSW said.
Kempsey and Wauchope on the mid-north coast will become trial tracks, with all racing to move to the new Taree track.
In the state's northwest, Moree's track will close and a new, straight track will be built to replace the existing circle track in Tamworth as part of an agreement struck with the local club.
A straight track will also be constructed in Wagga Wagga, with its circle track to be upgraded, while the track at Young will close.
Straight tracks are considered safer as they reduce the likelihood of dogs being injured negotiating bends.
GRNSW is also eyeing off a straight track at Goulburn, in the state's south, with plans to remediate the circle track there while it seeks a council determination.
It is also waiting for a new site at Dapto to be approved.
Then-Premier Mike Baird announced a ban on greyhound racing in NSW in 2016 but backflipped before it was due to take effect.
A panel subsequently made recommendations to reform the industry and improve animal welfare.
Australian Associated Press
