BATHURST’S greyhound industry is celebrating after NSW Premier Mike Baird announced on Tuesday morning a ban on racing would be reversed.
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The ban on greyhound racing was announced by the Premier in July who said it was justified because of the “widespread and unconscionable activity” in the state’s greyhound industry.
But just after 10am on Tuesday it was confirmed the ban would be reversed following a sustained campaign of media and industry pressure.
Bathurst man Matt Murphy and his family are among those celebrating at the announcement.
“I feel like crying, my wife did have to go to work today, I’ll probably be a mess when she gets home,” he said.
Mr Murphy and his family moved to Bathurst four years ago and have since spent $850,000 to set up their greyhound training facility.
“I didn’t have a plan B, this was everything … I did everything by the book,” he said.
“I was hoping and praying and there were a lot of dark days.”
But, Mr Murphy said he was not surprised the ban was reversed.
“When you really sit down and read that report and the legal team [argument] I did have hope,” he said.
“I think it stems from their [the NSW Government’s] legal team saying ‘you can’t win this’.”
Mr Murphy said the looming threat of revolt against the National party and three months of unrelenting pressure from the industry would have led to the Premier’s decision.
“I’m still voting against them [the Nationals]. Let’s not forget they let us down and this [the ban’s reversal] is the hard work of the greyhound people.”
Another Bathurst greyhound breeder and trainer, Lynn Maney, said she too feels relieved the ban has been reversed.
“You felt like you were being pointed at as a demon,” she said since the ban was announced in July.
“We had a litter of puppies that were 11 days old when the ban was announced and I was just devastated.
“I’m relieved that finally he’s [Premier Baird] shown some common sense and listened to the people.”
Mr Murphy said greyhound racing is worth significant money to the economy in Bathurst, the Central West and NSW.
“It’s [greyhound racing] worth $1.2 million to Bathurst and $9.9m to the Central West.”