Greyhound Racing NSW plans to close 12 of its 27 tracks by June 30, 2026, due to declining demand for the sport. A report from Deloitte Australia, commissioned by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), indicated that only 12 tracks are necessary statewide. However, GRNSW will keep 15 tracks operational while shutting down 12. Chief Executive Steve Griffin announced that the organization would reduce its racing footprint over the next 10 months.

The closures will affect seven non-TAB tracks, including Coonamble, Potts Park, Wauchope, Young, Kempsey, Moree, and Tamworth. Additionally, TAB clubs in Maitland, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, and Wentworth Park will also close. Racing has already ceased at Dapto. Griffin explained that the report evaluated the clubs based on various criteria, such as suitability, accessibility, profitability, racing injuries, and the costs to meet minimum track standards.

Clubs have until November 14 to respond to the recommendations before the board makes a final decision. The Broken Hill Greyhound Club expressed devastation over the impending closure. The club has been a fixture in far west NSW for over 50 years. President Regan Edgecumbe stated that members were shocked and angry, emphasizing, "As a club we felt like we haven't done anything wrong."

Edgecumbe highlighted the club's commitment to maintaining the facility, saying, "If something needs to be fixed or repaired, we do it. We make sure it's done as soon as something's not right."

The club provides income for around 20 individuals, including managers, curators, cleaners, and race day staff. Many of these workers are semi-retired or on pensions, relying on the club for supplemental income.

Local trainers Peter and Wendy Whitford noted that if the Broken Hill track closes, it would effectively end their involvement in dog racing. "The closest track we have is Adelaide — so [we are] looking at a 10 to 12 hour round trip to go down and race," Mr. Whitford said. The couple owns about 12 dogs, including five puppies they were preparing to race. "The distance makes it very hard being like we are – hobby trainers," he added. "It'd probably be the end of it for me and probably a lot of the other trainers in Broken Hill as well."

The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds welcomed GRNSW's announcement. President Amy McMahon described it as a significant step for animal welfare, citing 13 greyhound deaths and hundreds of injuries in NSW this year. "There's no way to make a greyhound racing track safe," she stated. McMahon suggested that the announcement might be an effort to strengthen GRNSW's position ahead of the 2024 Drake Review into greyhound racing.

She criticized the ongoing support for greyhound racing, linking it to substantial donations from the gambling sector to major political parties. "We're seeing the continuation of gambling harm on everyday people … and meanwhile, these companies like Sportsbet, Tabcorp [and] Ladbrokes get to make big profits off the back of dead and injured greyhounds," she said.

A spokesperson for the NSW Minister for Racing, David Harris, stated that the government supports a competitive, responsible, and sustainable greyhound racing industry with high animal welfare standards. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of GRNSW engaging with industry stakeholders when considering any decisions regarding track closures, given the potential impact on greyhound racing participants.