HAWKESBURY Councillor Barry Calvert believes the state government should compensate Hawkesbury businesses for the loss of livelihood after the decision to ban greyhound racing.
Cr Calvert moved a notice of motion at Council’s August 30 meeting for Council to write to the Premier Mike Baird about compensation for businesses.
Cr Calvert argued that not only would people directly involved with the greyhounds industry be affected, but the businesses which supplied goods and services would also suffer.
“Local business have been overlooked in what the Premier is calling his compensation package,” he said.
Cr Calvert said he not trying to dispute the reasoning for the closure of the industry, but felt the compensation was not adequate for businesses which provided goods and services to the Richmond Race Club
He said a visit to the club and a meeting with general manager Brad Adam had opened his eyes to how far the reach of the industry was.
“The club has a lot of services out there and all the goods come from Richmond businesses,” he said.
“All the local vets get business from there as well.”
“The impact is not going to be on the week it is closed but it will be ongoing.”
Cr Tiffany Tree said she agreed with Cr Calvert.
“The dog races themselves I am not a fan one way or the other,” she said.
“I certainly don't condone anyone making decisions in such a way that can wipe out the livelihood of families.
“The flow on effects of wiping out a whole industry and the impacts of that is something we should speak up on.”
Cr Paul Rasmussen said he did not think people could sit back and watch others suffer.
Cr Leigh Williams was the only councillor to vote against the motion.
He said the industry had had enough chances to clean up its act.
“I can see families might be hurt but there has to be some sort of social responsibility when you run a business,” he said.
“I think they have had their chances and there was no improvement. they kept live baiting and I support what Baird has done.”
