The Richmond Valley Council wants the state government to provide support for members of the local greyhound industry if a proposed ban on racing goes ahead.
The council will tomorrow consider a notice of motion calling on the state government to take into account the impact a ban would have on locals involved in the industry.
The motion comes amid calls from Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MLC Robert Borsak for National Party MPs to either cross the floor or leave the National Party over the proposed ban.
Lismore Nationals MP Thomas George has been asked to comment.
Meanwhile, Richmond Valley mayor Ernie Bennett has said that while he understood the importance of making sure people were doing the right thing by the animals in their care, he did not believe an outright ban was the answer.
He said some of the local businesses to be affected by the ban included veterinary services, pet food and rural supplies, catering and fast food, fuel and service stations, to name a few.
‘I understand greyhound racing in NSW needed to be cleaned up but is banning necessary?’ Cr Bennett said.
‘The NSW Government could take control of the industry to clean it up, or if it proceeds with the ban at least provide some form of support for those who have been doing the right thing.’
The Casino Greyhound Racing Club has 62 active members, and there are 100 local trainers in the area running about 1000 greyhounds.
The Club holds around 49 TAB-supported meetings a year at Queen Elizabeth Park, each attended by about 145 adults. Prizemoney ranges from $1500 to $2300 per meeting.
Recent investment by the Club included the conversion from grass track to an all-weather loam track.
Lismore Greyhound Club members train and race at the Casino track due to the flood damage in Lismore.
Cr Bennett said the council wanted answers to the economic impact the ban will have on the Richmond Valley economy and community, including job losses.
He said the council would consider ways to support the local greyhound industry members to assist them to prepare for the impact of the ban.
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