THE future of greyhound racing in Moree looks marginally brighter, with Greyhound Racing NSW acting CEO Wayne Billett recently meeting with industry stakeholders at club headquarters.
Mr Billett sat down with trainers Neil Dallison, Helen Ayre, Doug James, and Gary and Bobby Moore, to discuss the immediate future of greyhound racing in Moree.
Mr Moore is Moree Greyhound Racing Club president, and Ms Ayre is club secretary.
Also present were Moree Plains Shire councillor, Kelly James, bookmaker Brian Steel and retired Bingara trainers, Mick and Barbara Keelan.
The Moree club, as well as clubs at Coonamble, Tamworth, Young and Potts Park, were in May slotted for closure, with a period of transition negotiated between clubs, communities and Greyhound Racing NSW.
The last meeting at Moree was held on June 29, when 10 races were decided. Increased prize money ensured full fields.
Friday’s meeting with Mr Billett cast a glimmer of hope the industry in Moree might live to see another day.
Mr Billett, who replaced embattled GRNSW CEO Rob Macaulay last month, told the group the Moree club needed to lodge a detailed submission for consideration by the GRNSW board.
(from left) GRNSW acting CEO Wayne Billett, Weemelah trainer Doug James, Moree trainer Bobby Moore, Bingara’s Barbara Keelan, bookmaker Brian Steel, Moree trainer Helen Ayre, Mick Keelan from Bingara and at back, trainers Gary Moore and Neil Dallison, Moree Plains Shire Councillor, Kelly James (Image Copyright).
“What is important from the club’s perspective, is they have to really understand what they want to do. From that, they need to put a submission together for the board to consider,” Mr Billett said.
“The submission should cover every single thing. I need to understand the impacts on the people in Moree and the impacts on the community.
“The club needs to think a little differently when lodging their submission. It’s all about throwing everything in, so there’s nothing left on the table.
“I will provide a report for the board and the board will then consider that,” he said.
Moree Greyhound Racing Club was blindsided by the closures, announced in May.
“The board made the decision to close the tracks and I’ve been asked to consult with the affected clubs, meet face-to-face, and give those clubs the opportunity to give their views,” Mr Billett said.
“I want everyone to have their say, whether it be good, bad or ugly – I want to know what people are thinking, warts-and-all, and from my perspective, it’s really important that it is warts-and-all.”
Mr Billett said the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales was facing tough times.
“Our gaming revenue is down 20 percent, and, at the end of the day, that’s how we’re funded,” he said.
“The issue the industry has, is that across all of our networks we have ageing infrastructure and the costs to get up to standards is extensive.
“To be sustainable, the industry does not have the funds to keep every single venue open. We just do not have the money, it’s as simple as that. If affected parties can demonstrate other opportunities (for funding), then that can be submitted to the board for their consideration,” he said.
Councillor Kelly James told Mr Billett the Moree region was on the cusp of a major economic boost.
“This club can’t close, and we have to do something to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Mrs James said.
“Moree is set to grow in the next few years with the Special Activation Precinct (SAP). We’re looking at a population increase of around 4000 people – the entire population is set to boom within 10 years.
“The SAP is a good opportunity for Greyhound Racing NSW to open their eyes a little bit wider and understand Moree will soon be a major regional hub.
“Projects like the SAP in Moree mean population growth, and clubs like this having regional meetings and TAB meetings creates a snowball effect.
“I don’t want to lose that. We need to do everything we can to make sure the Moree club stays open,” she said.
The NSW greyhound racing industry is in turmoil at the moment. GRNSW CEO Rob Macaulay resigned last month – replaced by Mr Billett – and State Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, moved to sack the GRNSW board.
“It is well documented the board was given a show-cause notice by the minister, which they’ve done. At the moment, it’s business as usual,” Mr Billett said.
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
