Animal Liberation has confirmed its intention to vigorously oppose any development by the Tweed Heads Coursing Club Ltd (THCC) to build a new mega-sized greyhound complex at Chinderah in the NSW Tweed region.
According to Lisa Ryan, Animal Liberation’s Regional Campaigns Manager, ‘Notification from the NSW state government’s Department of Planning and Environment has advised a request by the THCC had been made for a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEAR’s).’
Ms Ryan says, ‘This first early step is to provide the THCC with the planning criteria they need to prepare to enable them to lodge a formal Development Application (DA), including an Environmental Impact Statement.
‘We have known for several years about the THCC’s intentions and their previously aborted and failed attempts to lodge a DA through the Tweed Shire Council (TSC), and their subsequent failed attempt through the State Government’s Major Projects department.
‘The difference this time is the THCC has basically significantly increased the project value to exceed $30 million with the full proposal’s estimated costs tipped at $61,630.000 to make it tick the box to qualify for consideration as a State Significant development by throwing in some extras, including what can only be described as two new death tracks and a dumping facility for discarded industry greyhounds.’
Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements
The requested SEARs will cover: a club house building, parade ground, carparking (formal and overflow), a circle and straight racing tracks, lighting for night-time race meets, use of the sites residual land for cattle agistment, a Greyhound as Pets Rehoming Facility, an administration building, veterinary clinic, and kennel modules to accommodate up to 120 dogs.
Ancillary items including a caretakers’ dwelling for the TCCF, a caretakers’ dwelling for the GAP facility, and a public lease-free dog area including entry shelter.
‘We can only assume the THCC didn’t rate their chances of approval under assessment and a different planning pathway by the TSC or a regional planning panel as good odds, and we would agree,’ said Lisa Ryan.
‘However, if they think that they will find an easier pathway of less resistance through the NSW state government, they have underestimated the power of the grassroots community voice, and will find they are in for a very rocky road.
‘We successfully secured a unanimous refusal in 2023 by the by the Hunter/Central Coast Regional Planning Panel when Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) tried to establish a dumping ground for 400 discarded racing greyhounds in a proposed “rehoming facility” in the Muswellbrook region, and GRNSW threw significant money towards that failed venture too,’ she said.
David and Goliath
‘The Muswellbrook example was very much a David vs Goliath battle and we are very happy to play the David role again with the THCC and GRNSW and their newest CEO, Steve Griffin,’ said Ms Ryan.
‘We have right, ethics and integrity on our side along with the support of animal lovers and anti gambling campaigners across Australia who want an end to commercial greyhound racing.’
Animal Liberation says it has reviewed more than 31 hearings and over 2,900 pages of ‘alarming’ testimony transcripts during the current Drake Inquiry, confirming that in spite of all the assurances and promises by successive NSW governments, GRNSW and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GRNSW), not a single NSW greyhound track meets minimum standards.
‘Shockingly, this is in spite of $30M of public money being given to the industry for its “mythical” safe tracks program,’ said Ms Ryan.
Animal Liberation says the volume of public money gifted to the NSW greyhound racing industry in recent years includes:
- $22.4M in regulator funding for GWIC FY23-24.
- $8M Betting tax given to the industry FY23-24.
- $11.3M Capital Grants Program (tracks) 2018-2022.
- $60M Land Tax Exemption 2022-2024.
‘We don’t need or want new greyhound death tracks, we want to see this gambling fuelled dog killing industry shut down permanently, and public money being invested where it is most needed for community good and wellbeing,’ said Lisa Ryan.
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