Richmond Valley Council in northeast New South Wales has questioned whether the State Government’s greyhound racing ban is necessary.
At its meeting tomorrow, the Council will consider a notice of motion that calls on the NSW Government to take into account the impact the ban would have on members of the local community who rely on the greyhound industry for their livelihood and who have been operating in line with its codes and standards.
The Council said it would also investigate the economic impact the ban will have on the Richmond Valley economy and community, including job losses.
Richmond Valley Mayor Ernie Bennett said the Council would consider ways to support the local greyhound industry members to assist them to prepare for the impact of the ban.
Mayor Bennett said while he understood the importance of making sure people were doing the right thing by the animals in their care, he did not believe an outright ban was the answer.
He said some of the local businesses to be affected by the ban included veterinary services, pet food and rural supplies, catering and fast food, fuel and service stations.
“I understand greyhound racing in NSW needed to be cleaned up but is banning necessary?” the Mayor said.
“The NSW Government could take control of the industry to clean it up, or if it proceeds with the ban at least provide some form of support for those who have been doing the right thing.”
The Casino Greyhound Racing Club has 62 active members, and there are 100 local trainers in the area running about 1000 greyhounds.
The Club holds around 49 TAB-supported meetings a year at Queen Elizabeth Park, each attended by about 145 adults. Prize money ranges from $1500 to $2300 per race.
Recent investment by the Club included the conversion from grass track to an all-weather loam track.
Lismore Greyhound Club members also train and race at the Casino track due to the flood damage in Lismore.
