UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Orange City Council has voted to grant a six-month extension for the Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association (GBOTA) to submit a crucial development application for a proposed $15 million greyhound track. The decision came during a heated council meeting on October 7, 2025, where public sentiment was sharply divided.
The proposed greyhound track, planned for the now-abandoned Highlands Paceway off Bathurst Road, faced significant uncertainty after GBOTA CEO Dan Weizman announced the association would be unable to meet the original deadline of October 25, 2025. Without the application, the contract would be voided, and the land could revert to the council. The extension request stems from changes in bushfire regulations that were introduced after the contract was signed.
In an impassioned debate, the council heard from several community members, including Phil Donato, the Member for Orange, who expressed support for the extension. He emphasized that the decision should focus on the extension rather than the broader issues surrounding greyhound racing. “It is fair, just, and reasonable to grant the extension,” he stated.
Opposition was fierce, with local activists voicing concerns about the ethical implications of greyhound racing. Kylie Field from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds argued against the extension, stating, “We ask you to put your community first and free up this land for the benefit of the entire community of Orange.” Her comments echoed sentiments from others advocating for animal welfare and community health.
Dr. Hugh Stump, a local GP, raised alarms about the potential social costs of a greyhound track, highlighting how gambling issues could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Orange. He warned that while economic benefits may exist, they do not outweigh the social drawbacks.
Conversely, Jason Lyne, the GBOTA’s Chief Operations Officer, defended the project, asserting it would offer more than just a racing venue. He mentioned plans for a community function center and a synthetic soccer pitch, emphasizing the broader benefits for locals. “If the extension is granted,” he said, “we expect to finalize the reports required relatively quickly.”
The council’s decision was narrowly passed with a vote of five to four, where councillors Tony Mileto, Kevin Duffy, Jeff Whitton, Judge, and Stedman supported the extension, while McDonell, Power, Mallard, and Ruddy opposed it. Councillors Greenhalgh and Kinghorne did not participate due to conflicts of interest, and Peterson was absent.
As the council moves forward, the clock is ticking for GBOTA to submit their development application. If they fail to meet the new deadline, the future of the greyhound track—and the land it occupies—remains uncertain. This developing story continues to resonate within the Orange community, highlighting the complex interplay between development, ethics, and community welfare. Stay tuned for further updates on this contentious issue.
