Calls For Premier To Return Wentworth Park Greyhound Track To Community

More than 25 organisations have signed an open letter urging the Minns Government to end greyhound racing at Wentworth Park and return the land to the community. 

Community groups, animal welfare and protection groups, and elected representatives are among the signatories, including the City of Sydney, Animals Australia, and Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi.

The letter, addressed to Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, and Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, calls for the cessation of Greyhound Racing NSW’s lease of the park, which is set to expire in 2027.

“Greyhound racing serves only a small group, profiting from the suffering of dogs, while gambling causes widespread harm within communities,” the letter reads. “The current lease is set to expire in 2027, creating a crucial opportunity to reimagine this rare parcel of inner-city land for a better future.

“Wentworth Park could become a vibrant precinct that benefits the broader community. It could support sport, recreation, green space, events and/or services that benefit thousands. Instead, it continues to host an industry linked to animal cruelty and public gambling harm.”

Last year, 5 greyhounds died at the Wentworth Park track, and more than 390 were injured, something the advocates say has no place in a modern city like Sydney.

“I have long advocated for an end to greyhound racing and the return of Wentworth Park to the community since I was a Member of Parliament,” said City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore.

“At a time when Sydney desperately needs more housing and open space to support residents living in high densities, the NSW Government should ban greyhound racing and return this important parkland at Wentworth Park to the community.”

Locals want greener, more open public spaces

Last month, the City of Sydney released its plan for the rejuvenation of Wentworth Park, which includes the installation of new pathways and sporting facilities, and the creation of a wetland basin and revegetation.

Developed following extensive community consultation, the plan reflects the needs of the local residents, who are loudly in favour of its implementation.

“The new concept designs are just what the community has been asking for – with new spaces to play sport, picnic and enjoy nature,” Balmain MP Kobi Shetty told CityHub at the time.

“Pyrmont and Ultimo are two of the most densely populated suburbs in Australia, and with more high-density development on the way there is a desperate need for more shared green spaces. It is no longer tenable to have such a large portion of Wentworth Park used for greyhound racing.”