Greyhound Racing Track Greenlit in Orange

0:00The Western Regional Planning Panel just greenlit a $15 million greyhound racing track in orange, New South Wales. They're reworking an old harness racing site that's been empty for over a decade into a new facility with kennels, a small clubhouse seating for, and 64, and even a soccer field in the middle. Earlier this year, Orange City Council sold the 16 hectare plot to the Greyhound breeders, owners, and trainers association. But right before the panels call, councilors voted against it, saying it didn't match the big promises of crowds and a top-notch function center. Locals are fired up, with a petition pulling in over 1,100 signatures against the plan. Former councillor Neil Jones called it a huge misfer housing in a tight market, slamming it as propping up a fading sport while tracks shut down. Across the state, like Tamworth and Morey, the panel heard the gripes on animal welfare, and gambling harms, but said those aren't their lane separate laws, handle that.

1:00They figure it'll draw 80 to 100 punters weekly and pump $19 million yearly into the economy, backed by local businesses. Now the project's on a clock. The group has two years to lock in a builder contract, or it might not happen at all, leaving everyone watching if this. Track revs up or stays on the shelf. That's the story for today. Adelaide News Today, Driven by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.