NSW adds $10m for greyhound tracks following Wentworth Park racing exit

The NSW Government has committed another $10 million to greyhound track upgrades following the end of racing at Wentworth Park, as the historic Sydney sporting venue moves towards the demolition of its grandstand and racing infrastructure.

Announced on 2 November, the funding brings additional support for the transition to $20 million through the Greyhound Capital Grants Program. It is intended to help tracks meet minimum safety standards as racing shifts away from the Glebe venue.

The government says the investment also responds to the Drake Inquiry’s recommendations for revised track standards and improved animal safety.

Wentworth Park staged its final greyhound meeting on 16 October, ending 94 years of racing with the Million Dollar Chase program. The departure was brought forward from the original September 2027 licence expiry following an agreement with the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association.

As previously reported by Austadiums, the complex has served a much broader sporting role than its greyhound racing profile suggests.

Its central rectangular field has continued to accommodate rugby league, football and rugby union, with the Sydney Roosters and Glebe Dirty Reds among the clubs to host matches there during 2026. The original Glebe rugby league club also played at the ground during its premiership history between 1908 and 1929.

The end of greyhound racing does not mean an immediate end to those other activities.

Crown Lands’ published transition timetable allows sporting and community use to continue wherever practical until October 2027. Existing tenants and licence holders will be consulted directly about access as investigations and planning progress.

The greyhound association is scheduled to vacate by 30 November 2026, while other tenants are expected to leave in October 2027.

Major demolition and site works, including removal of the grandstand, are currently scheduled between early 2028 and mid-2029. Those dates remain indicative and subject to planning approvals.

Following demolition, the City of Sydney will become the site’s Crown land manager, enabling its conversion to expanded public open space and community sporting facilities.

The wider vision incorporates the former racing complex into an expanded 14-hectare parkland. Although sport will remain part of Wentworth Park’s future, removing the grandstand and associated infrastructure will fundamentally change the established spectator venue.

Meanwhile, Greyhound Racing NSW has welcomed the additional funding as support for its proposed replacement Sydney Metropolitan Racing Precinct at Richmond.

The existing Richmond Club site was selected following an assessment of 12 potential locations across western Sydney. Options include developing within the current footprint or expanding the site.

The proposed precinct could include three tracks, new club facilities, boarding and training kennels, veterinary services and motel accommodation. GRNSW intends to pursue joint ventures for the club and accommodation components, alongside its own investment in racing infrastructure.

The organisation has previously indicated it hopes to select a development option in early 2027 and begin construction late that year. Those plans remain proposals rather than a completed replacement for Wentworth Park.

The funding announcement coincided with the first TAB meeting at Lithgow’s rebuilt greyhound track on 2 November.

Work began in January and included widening the racing surface, installing a new rail and SafeChase lure system, refurbishing kennels and public amenities, and adding broadcast-standard lighting averaging 900 lux.

A new tower accommodates officials and broadcasters, while an extended lure arm is intended to spread greyhounds more widely and reduce crowding during races.