Greyhound racing participants are feeling shocked, angry and betrayed by the Minns Labor Government’s sudden, unexpected announcement on the future of Wentworth Park.

Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the Labor Government were calling curtains on greyhound racing in metropolitan Sydney without bothering to consult those who had been using Wentworth Park for almost a century.

“Wentworth Park has always been the pinnacle for Greyhound Racing in New South Wales and Australia. There is a rich history of the sport in the area with greyhounds racing at Wentworth since 1932.,” Mr Anderson said.

“Today, the Minns Labor Government has dealt a hammer blow to greyhound racing without bothering to consult the industry or the participants who have used Wentworth Park for nearly a century.

“Greyhound Racing NSW and the NSW Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association were blindsided by this decision with no consultation and no opportunity for feedback from industry allowed.

“We support the development of new housing options in Sydney. The industry had been working with the government on a future exit plan that included developing an alternative site for a metropolitan greyhound racing precinct, but that’s now out the window with the guillotine falling suddenly on the industry.

“There are real questions around the process of this decision given the industry were not consulted. Who knew? What role did the City of Sydney play? And why was this kept secret for so long?

“Clearly the Labor Government wants to push Greyhound Racing to the bush, sending a clear message that country trainers are not welcome in the city and relegating them to regional tracks.

“The paltry $10 million funding commitment from Labor is nowhere near what would be needed to construct a new major metropolitan greyhound racing precinct.

“The Minns Labor Government needs to come clean about this decision and urgently provide a viable path forward for metropolitan greyhound racing.”