GRNSW Steps Up For Gosford and Orange Slipping Tracks
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced the first two funding grants issued under the Position Statement on the Establishment of Greyhound Trialing Facilities.
$10,000 has been allocated to part fund the construction of a slipping track at the Gosford greyhound racing track, whilst $15,000 has been paid to the GBOTA following the establishment of a slipping track in the Orange district.
GRNSW Chairman Professor Percy Allan AM said both projects were prime examples of the intent of the Position Statement and worthy of funding.
“The Board of GRNSW adopted the Position Statement in May recognising that greyhound trialing facilities were dwindling while travelling costs were escalating.
“In the two projects that have been approved we have one at Gosford, which is on racetrack land, and another in Orange which has been developed for use by locals to cut down their travelling time for the purpose of training their greyhounds,” said Professor Allan.
The intent of the grant program is for GRNSW to provide funding to assist with the establishment of new training facilities and the Position Statement is a set of guiding principles for the GRNSW Board to consider when allocating funds.
The level of the available funding differs according to the location of the track and the group or individual that will establish and manage the site, but the grant is not intended to fully fund the project.
In the case of the GBOTA, both projects have been on the drawing board for a considerable time and discussions with GRNSW have been ongoing. GBOTA Executive Officer Brenton Scott said the funding approval provided much needed training facilities in both regions.
“Since the loss of the Wyong straight track and the Orange race track the GBOTA has been keen to develop appropriate training options in both areas.
“The GBOTA welcomed the Position Statement and we appreciate the funding that has now been provided.
“Thanks to the many volunteers who have assisted with the construction, and in the ongoing upkeep, the Orange slipping track is now open for use. Construction of the Gosford track will begin immediately,” Scott said.
GRNSW is in the process of assessing further requests for funding assistance for trialing facilities and more announcements are likely in the New Year.