Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has voiced frustration over the time it’s taken to finalise the Goulburn Greyhound Racing Straight Track and Centre of Excellence which was announced in March of 2021, under Greyhound NSW’s former CEO Tony Mestrov.
“I lobbied hard to secure this funding to support an important industry in our region. The commitment was a huge win for our local trainers and patrons, to build a centre of excellence and secure a new track for greyhound racing in the southern region.” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“We anticipated expanded operations and the creation of 14 new jobs, and I know trainers, in anticipation, have moved to Goulburn since the announcement.”
“However, since its inception, the project has been plagued by persistent delays and uncertainties, casting doubt on its completion.
“Initial setbacks emerged when CEO Rob Macaulay abruptly terminated the services of a consulting firm, despite substantial expenditure, before even a shovel had gone into the ground. Now we are 3 years down the line with nothing to show for it.
“Today I’ve heard of a significantly scaled-down version of the project the latest developments are a stark departure from the original vision and I have real fear we will end up with nothing.
“I’ve approached the new Minister responsible, David Harris to ensure he understands that the community has been anticipating these track upgrades and that we are now grappling with little prospect of anything except ruined plans and financial strain.
Expressing exasperation over the prolonged lack of progress, Tuckerman calls for decisive action from the Labor Government, urging for accountability within Greyhound NSW with mounting expenses on consultants, estimated at up to $1 million, and no tangible progress towards the envisioned centre of excellence.
“The Government needs to urgently intervene to save the Goulburn straight track. I am demanding accountability from Greyhound NSW and transparency from this Labor NSW Government.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 