Greyhounds contribute to local economy
Warragul Greyhound Racing Club is contributing to a vibrant greyhound racing industry with its direct expenditure, salaries, flow on effects and profits benefitting the local economy.
Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) commissioned the Size and Scope of the Victorian Greyhound Racing Industry 2015 -16 report to gain a better understanding of the industry’s size and contribution to Victorian communities.
The report found that greyhound racing generated more than $298.3 million in direct expenditure for the state in 201516, but the actual economic impact totals $408.6 million when the flow-on effects of jobs, salaries, spending and profits are considered.
State-wide, it is responsible for supporting 2888 jobs, including 1216 fulltime equivalent (FTE) positions that are directly employed within the racing industry, and another 1672 FTE jobs in support industries, including vets, hardware store employees and tradespeople.
Statistics from the report indicate $14.16 million value added into Gippsland, generating $7.95 million of household income from 106 FTE jobs.
Locally, the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club conducts 105 meetings each year. It employs four full-time staff and a pool of 14 parttime/casual employees, but many more people are employed through racing, including kennel staff, breeders’ staff, race judges, stewards, wagering employees and kitchen staff.
Together, the community directly and indirectly supports many businesses and suppliers in the region.
Warragul Greyhound Racing Club manager Adrian Scott said he had seen steady growth in the industry during his time in the role over the past three years.
He said the club was community focussed, opening its facilities to local organisations for fundraising and special events.
The club sponsors and donates to local organisations, including local football teams, district netball league and Give Me 5 For Kids charity, supporting children’s hospital wards.
A recent fundraiser at the club realised $30,000 to allow the family of local policeman Matt Height to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle as he continues his recovery following a severe stroke in September last year. The WGRC has existed for more than 80 years, and is one of eight user groups who occupy Logan Park including Warragul Harness Club, the Warragul Light Harness Club and the Warragul Show Society.
The independent report was prepared by consultants IER, which has extensive experience reporting on racing industries in Australia and New Zealand. The first report of its kind focusing on greyhound racing in Victoria, it details the industry’s impact across the state as well as specific outcomes for regional areas.