Government Green Lights $6m Goulburn Upgrade

THE future of racing in the Southern Tablelands has been handed a major boost with the announcement of a $6m upgrade to the Goulburn track.

THE future of greyhound racing in the Southern Tablelands has been handed a major boost with the announcement of a $6m upgrade to the hugely popular Goulburn track.

The project, jointly funded by the NSW Government and Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), will transform Goulburn into a state-of-the-art facility, offering both straight and one-turn racing, with new lighting allowing night racing for the first time at the venue.

In unveiling the grand plans, Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson said the upgrades will deliver on a number of objectives, most notably animal welfare.

"Now that concept plans have been finalised, GRNSW will continue to progress the project and get shovels in the ground as soon as possible," Mr Anderson said.

"The Goulburn upgrade would also see the installation of floodlighting allowing the facility to host night racing for the first time, and an upgrade of the existing circle track with improved cornering and running surface for racing and trialing."

The Goulburn district's local member Wendy Tuckerman welcomed the announcement.

Recent Southern Stars winner Aston Barak

"Upgrades to our track will bring people to town and provide better facilities for our local trainers," Tuckerman said.

"I welcome this announcement which will allow Goulburn to hold better races in conditions that are focused on animal welfare.

"It's great news that Goulburn is set to become home to the state's second straight track following the recent opening at Richmond.

"This is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improve greyhound welfare standards across NSW."

The announcement of the Goulburn redevelopment is the first under the watch of new GRNSW CEO Rob Macauley.

Macaulay said GRNSW is committed to upgrading and maintaining regional tracks with the rubber-stamping of the Goulburn project a huge boon for the industry in the region.

"We are delighted with the support of the NSW Government for this exciting new development at Goulburn," Macaulay said.

"The new straight track, lighting installation and improvements to the existing track will deliver a first-class racing venue for participants.

"It is a great outcome for the sport in the southern regions, but also places Goulburn as a destination for visitors from across the state."

Local trainer Mick Hardman was another who welcomed the announcement, suggesting it will be the catalyst for more participants to relocate to the region.

"I relocated a few years ago now in anticipation for news like this and it's fantastic it has all come together," Hardman said.

"What it means for participants in the region can't be understated and I can see the area becoming a real destination for greyhound participants into the future.

"The Goulburn Club is extremely professional and hardworking and I've got no doubt they'll make a huge success of it all.

"It really is a positive day for the future of the industry, particularly down south."

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