Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) is pleased to report that work on the multi-million dollar upgrade to the Lithgow Greyhound Club is progressing well and remains on track for racing to commence later this year.
In December last year, the Minister for Gaming and Racing the Hon David Harris attended the Lithgow venue to officially announce the upgrade, and turn the ceremonial first sod on the project, along with local member the Hon Paul Toole, Lithgow Mayor Cassandra Coleman, chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Greyhounds, the Hon Mark Banasiak and GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin.
“We are delighted with the way work at Lithgow is progressing and like all participants in the region, we are eagerly awaiting completion and the commencement of racing later this year,” GRNSW’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Brian Charman said.
“When our CEO Steve Griffin joined the organisation last year, one of his major priorities was to ensure the Lithgow upgrade not only took place, but in a timely fashion.
“The participants on the other side of the Blue Mountains have been without a racetrack in their proximity since Bathurst was closed following flooding in November 2022.
“I have seen regular updates of work at Lithgow and it has been impressive to see the progress regularly being made and the facility taking shape.
“The first stage, and the largest part of the project has been the track construction, and while we did run into a few obstacles, these were dealt with swiftly, overcome, and work was back on track immediately.”
Mr Charman said the track construction is three quarters completed, with development approval also recently granted for the track lighting, a new judge’s tower, and a machinery shed.
“Everything is moving well. All fence safety padding has arrived onsite, we will install a new rail system, including a SafeChase rail and lure, and the kennel block and public amenities will be refurbished,” he said.
“The lighting towers have been ordered and will provide broadcast-standard lighting averaging 900 lux, and consequently the power will be upgraded to accommodate the new track lighting.
“The tower, which will be used by the judge, stewards and for broadcasters, has been ordered and is similar to the modular tower design at the Mid North Coast club in Taree.
“We have also decided to demolish and rebuild the maintenance shed, while the main gate entrance will be enhanced to provide a more welcoming experience for patrons.
“The Lithgow upgrade is a particularly exciting time for participants in the Central West, but importantly it will deliver a safe, state of the art facility which our industry can be proud of.”
