In 2023, Australia wide, 168 Thoroughbreds died on track or shortly after as a direct result of racing, with the most common injury being a catastrophic front limb injury. New South Wales racetracks were responsible for approximately 30% of these deaths. (Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses)

We have a chance to show that NSW does not accept the abuse of animals in the name of gambling, entertainment and profit.

The ATC (Australian Turf Club), has approached the NSW Government with an ‘unsolicited proposal’ to sell the Rosehill Racecourse for redevelopment. The proposal has 4 parts:

• Redevelop Rosehill Gardens into a mixed-use precinct that includes up to 25,000 dwellings (with the ATC to receive $4.8bill, and a new train station to be built to service the area)
• Develop a “Centre Of Excellence” Training facility at Horsley Park
• Upgrade facilities at existing racecourses: Warwick Farm, Canterbury, Randwick
• Develop a new racetrack in Sydney - proposed site Olympic Park brick pit (other sites also being considered)

There is an open inquiry into the reported plan to move Sydney’s Rosehill racecourse - and we have the chance to highlight animal welfare concerns during this process.

The horseracing industry has proven time and again that it does not genuinely care for its horses. This inquiry provides an opportunity for our voices to be heard against the backdrop of an industry with profit, power and secrecy.

What are some of the issues?

As usual, the current plans do not prioritise animal welfare.

We know that the racing industry has not demonstrated genuine concern for its racehorses, and that the future for racing horses post-career is shrouded in secrecy.

The $4.8bill upgrades to existing racing facilities and proposed new racetrack is intended to cement horse racing in the NSW landscape for the future. This is at the very time when animal welfare concerns are undeniable and the future of the horse racing industry is in question.

Why make a submission?

Every opportunity to speak up for animals is vital. We can't afford to waste this chance to remind our decision-makers that animals have a voice too.

Without you, multi-billion dollar plans like this one would be rubber-stamped without so much as a thought for affected animals.

Who should make a submission?

Everyone! You do not need to be an expert to make a submission. If you are distressed at the continuation of the cruel horseracing industry and want to make sure that animals are not ignored throughout this inquiry, make a submission. 

Terms of Reference 

The Terms of Reference of the Select Committee are broad. However, one of the ToR is: "the impact on animal welfare and any integrity concerns associated with the proposal which relate to animal welfare".

You do not need to respond to all of the terms of reference; you can choose to respond to all, some or just one.

Making a Submission

General Tips

• Format: Submissions can be made in written form, either as letters or formal documents.

• Tone: Be clear, respectful, and concise.

• Evidence: Provide factual information, data, and references to support your arguments. Whilst you do not need to be a recognised expert to make a submission, it is important that you provide as much information as possible - including any relevant evidence and references.

• Personal Touch: Share personal stories or experiences to highlight the emotional and ethical dimensions of the issue.

• Contact Information: Include your name and contact details, and specify if you wish your submission to remain confidential.

Submissions are most powerful when they are in your own words!

Submission Guide

Your submission should highlight the animal welfare concerns that are inherent in the horseracing industry, and argue that the NSW Government should not be moving ahead with any plans that may invest in an industry that should be put to an end.

Our friends at the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) have put together a Submission Guide for this inquiry. Please use it to guide you in referring to animal welfare concerns in this proposal.

Other concerns you might like to address in your submission may be:

• The Olympic Park site, proposed as a potential new racecourse, currently houses a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a population of endangered green and gold bell frogs. Claims that these frogs, whose presence impacted previous development plans during the lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, will happily coexist with a new racetrack with horses thundering past and regular human disruption appear to be deceitful and nothing more than an excuse to approve the proposal.
• ‘Unsolicited proposals’ require the government to remain neutral, yet NSW Premier Chris Minns has been vocally enthusiastic, calling the ethics of the process into question.
• Details of the proposal have been light, raising questions about what exactly the plans will entail.
• There is no information regarding the proposed price range for the housing; it’s unclear how affordable the houses will be, and therefore how far this proposal goes towards addressing the housing affordability crisis.
• Racing NSW is footing the bill for developing the proposal and for due diligence. Considering they are not a part of the proposal, this raises questions as to why they would invest significant funds into the project - what will they collect from a successful project?
• There are mixed reports from different sources regarding the potential for contamination of the land and therefore safety for proposed future homeowners. Asbestos and other chemicals have been listed as potential contaminants.
• There is a current masterplan for the region developed by council and NSW government. This includes high medium and high-density housing, affordable housing targets and green space allowances. It is unclear how the proposed Rosehill redevelopment plan will impact this plan, except that it requires the masterplan strategy to be changed, which sets off alarm bells.
  
  

Submissions Close Thursday, 18 July 2024

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=324#tab-submissions