Funding Boost For Darwin Greyhound Racing

Minister for Sport and Recreation Matt Conlan said an additional $230,000 for the Greyhounds Association in the 2013 Budget would provide a much-needed boost for the sport.

Mr Conlan said the industry had recently gone through difficult financial times and the extra funding would help it get back on its feet.

“The additional $230,000 in 2013 will allow the Darwin Greyhounds Association to maintain their prize money which will entice more interstate visitors and lead to more runners in races,” Mr Conlan said.

“The Greyhounds have been based at Winnellie in Darwin for many years and is a growing area of racing interest for Territorians.

“The Country Liberals Government is supporting this important industry and ensuring the Club can continue to provide an exciting and entertaining outing for Territory families.”

The Darwin Greyhounds has recently endured financial difficulties and in 2011-12 the Racing Commission was forced to appoint an administrator to review its operations.

To ensure the ongoing viability of the industry the Northern Territory Government has committed to a new three year funding arrangement with the Darwin Greyhounds Association which includes an additional $230 000 to bring total funding for 2013-14 to $800 000.

“This funding will assist the Darwin Greyhounds Association with industry development, help to conduct race meetings and maintain its facility at Winnellie,” Mr Conlan said.

“Tonight, I am delighted to officially open the club's new race kennels, which finally replace an old shed which had existed since pre-cyclone Tracy. These new kennels, combined with our funding increase, should secure the future of this sport.”

Darwin Greyhound Association President, Robbie Brennan, welcomed today's announcement.

“This new funding agreement will allow us to focus on getting Darwin Greyhound Racing out to a television audience, nationally and internationally on , which will increase our revenue,” Mr Brennan said.

“Sky Channel's infrastructure is in place at Fannie Bay so getting a link between and Fannie Bay is well within reach. The new Government Funding agreement allows the Darwin Greyhound Association to pursue this goal along with maintaining current prize money levels and developing the facility at Winnellie Park.”

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