GREYHOUND racing in Muswellbrook will bolt into the top tier after confirmation the town's club will acquire TAB status.
Tony Mestrov, Greyhound Racing NSW's chief executive, made the announcement on Wednesday alongside NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson.
"To upgrade a non-TAB racetrack to the standard where it can conduct TAB racing is a process Greyhound Racing NSW completed in the past year at both Taree and Wauchope." Mr Mestrov said.
"This is a tremendous announcement for the hard-working club and participants in the Upper Hunter.
"The Muswellbrook club has been operating for more than 60 years, has a rich history in this region, and this news is a reward for everyone involved with the club."
The club draws dogs from Gunnedah and Tamworth, as well as from across the Hunter.
The upgrade will involve resurfacing the track, adding a new lure rail and three electric starting boxes and increasing safety standards.
The work is expected to pave the way for Muswellbrook to host between six and eight TAB meetings each year in addition to their non-TAB race days.
The work will be funded through a $30 million NW government investment in the greyhound industry.
"We have seen in Gunnedah and on the Mid North Coast that when these clubs are upgraded, there is a direct benefit to the community through increased visitation and money spent in the local economy," Mr Barilaro said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said greyhound racing was an "important sector for many communities".
"This new upgrade will bring people into town who will stay in local hotels and shop at local stores, putting money straight back into the community," he said.
