Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) has announced the closure of the Broken Hill racetrack, concluding over 100 years of greyhound racing in the city. This decision is part of a comprehensive optimisation strategy that aims to enhance racing operations across New South Wales. A report by Deloitte had previously recommended closing several tracks, and Broken Hill is the latest casualty in this restructuring effort.

The impact of this closure is substantial, as GRNSW anticipates that approximately 200 greyhounds will require rehoming or sale as a result of the track's closure. However, the local greyhound racing club contests this estimate, suggesting that only around 50 to 60 dogs will actually need to be rehomed. In addition to the animals affected, the local racing community will also suffer, with 30 to 40 trainers losing their livelihoods as the nearest racetrack becomes a four-hour drive away, significantly impeding their operations.

This situation raises critical questions about the future of greyhound racing in regional communities, particularly regarding animal welfare and the responsibilities of racing bodies to ensure the welfare of the dogs. As local racing venues diminish, the industry must consider how to support both the displaced dogs and the trainers who will no longer have a local track to race at, indicating a significant shift in the landscape of greyhound racing in New South Wales and the challenges that lie ahead.