Richmond Race Track proposed transformation into Sydney’s new metropolitan greyhound racing hub has received a likey funding boost, with the NSW Government committing another $10 million of public funding to help the state wide industry with the closure of Wentworth Park.
The announcement on November 2 2026 brings the government’s additional transition funding to $20 million, amid continuing debate over public support for greyhound racing and the industry’s animal welfare record.
Greyhound Racing NSW says the existing Richmond greyhound racing site has been selected for its proposed Sydney Metropolitan Racing Precinct following an assessment of potential locations across Western Sydney, assisted by Deloitte Australia.
Options under consideration include three new tracks, new club facilities, boarding kennels with round-the-clock attendance, training facilities and a veterinary practice. Motel accommodation through a possible joint venture is also being considered.
GRNSW says the development would provide community uses and generate income beyond racing. The proposals could be accommodated within the existing site or an expanded footprint.
However, the precise allocation of the government funding remains unclear.
The government describes the additional $10 million as funding for its Greyhound Capital Grants Program to help tracks across NSW meet minimum safety standards. GRNSW presents the announcement as a major boost for the Richmond development.
Neither announcement provides a breakdown identifying how much Richmond will receive or which proposed facilities would be funded.
Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris said the investment would support animal welfare as racing moved from Wentworth Park.
“We've committed this extra funding to ensure the welfare of greyhounds remains a top priority as greyhound racing transitions from Wentworth Park,” he said.
GRNSW chief executive Steve Griffin welcomed the commitment, saying the organisation also had savings available to contribute towards the metropolitan precinct.
The announcement comes against strong criticism from RSPCA NSW, which argues that successive inquiries and track improvements have failed to resolve the welfare risks associated with racing.
In an October 20 statement, the organisation cited official regulatory reports recording 25,892 racing injury incidents between January 2018 and June 2026. The figure represents recorded incidents, rather than necessarily that number of individual greyhounds.
RSPCA NSW also said the 2025 Drake Inquiry found no NSW track met GRNSW’s own 2020 minimum track standards, including tracks rebuilt with government funding.
For Hawkesbury residents, the Richmond proposal raises questions about the development’s scale, planning requirements, community access and the share of public funding it would receive.
The announcements leave those details and the measurable safety improvements expected in return for the investment to be explained.
