MEMBERS of the greyhound industry were due to meet the man who will help bring an end to racing in Newcastle on Friday.
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Dr John Keniry AM was set to meet with members of the greyhound racing industry at Wallsend to talk about how measures the NSW Government was putting in place to bring an end to the practice.
Dr Keniry was appointed as the coordinator general for the Greyhounds Transition Taskforce in July.
Through his role, Dr Keniry will work with the greyhound industry to ensure racing is shut down in a “humane and orderly” way by July 1, 2017.
Dr Keniry said the NSW Government had committed to a raft of measures, including financial assistance, and other issues were open for discussion with the industry.
“Since my appointment, I have had many conversations with people working directly or indirectly in the greyhound industry about the challenges they are facing due to the closure of greyhound racing,” he said.
“Newcastle is one of several regional centres I will visit over the next month as part of the consultation process to inform a detailed plan for the government on the best way to transition people and their greyhounds to the closure.
“The NSW Government has committed to providing financial assistance to transition dogs and people out of the greyhound industry, as well as other government and non-government support services, such as training programs and business advice.
“The legislation before parliament also allows for a transition period to enable an orderly closure of the industry.
“While it stipulates greyhound racing in NSW will cease on July 1, 2017, there will be transition periods for other aspects of the industry, such as training, breeding and keeping greyhounds.
“I am keen to hear from people working in the industry on the best way to achieve this before I report back to government in late September.
“The government will then decide what assistance to provide to people affected by the closure. This is expected to be announced later this year.”
Those wishing to have their say on the transition can complete an online feedback form at racing.justice.nsw.gov.au.