Dapto A&H Society Confirms Greyhound Racing Will Not Continue Long-Term at The Groundz

The Dapto Agricultural & Horticultural Society Ltd has confirmed that greyhound racing will not form part of its long-term plans for The Groundz Precinct, following an extensive review of the site’s future development potential.

In January 2023, Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) announced the purchase of land on Bong Bong Road in West Dapto for the development of a new greyhound racing facility, indicating its intention to eventually relocate from the current site. Despite this, the Society was subsequently approached by GRNSW to consider a long-term lease option at The Groundz.

Over recent months, the Society reviewed its strategic plan and engaged consultants to explore whether the site could accommodate the continued presence of greyhound racing, including the relocation of kennels and the addition of a clubhouse. However, the request for a tenure of up to twenty years presented a fundamental barrier to the Society’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the broader community.

“Even with design modifications, retaining racing operations would significantly limit our capacity to deliver on long-term goals,” said Katrina Novak, CEO of the Dapto A&H Society. “We must prioritise flexibility and the ability to meet the growing needs of our local community.”

The Society also noted that greyhound racing has already been granted a number of extensions on the site in recent years, further reinforcing the need for a defined transition timeline.

Since 2023, the greyhound racing industry in Australia has been the subject of several public inquiries, including the ongoing Drake Inquiry in New South Wales, which is examining issues relating to animal welfare, oversight, and governance. These inquiries have highlighted the need for the industry to plan for a more sustainable and better-regulated future.

“This is not about forcing greyhound racing out,” Ms Novak said. “While we are not in a position to commit to a 20-year arrangement, we are open to discussing a short-term agreement if that would assist GRNSW in its transition planning. If not, the Society will continue working towards the conclusion of greyhound racing operations at the site by the end of June 2026.”