Public consultation is now open for Draft Guidelines for Racing Dog Keeping and Training Facilities in Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) urges all participants to have their say.
The Draft Guidelines have been developed by Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Details on how to make a submission and provide public comment on the draft Guidelines to the Department are available at: http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/planning/about-planning/improving-the-system/greyhound-facilities
Submissions must be received by 5.00 pm on 7 October 2016.
Matters covered by the draft guidelines include greyhound density, setback distances for the facilities, kennel requirements, landscaping, fencing and screening and noise, odour and waste management.
The Draft Guidelines set out exemptions for a racing dog facility if the number of dogs does not exceed the number specified in the zone or the proposal meets all Guidelines performance measures.
Permits will also be not required to construct a building or construct or carry out works for a racing dog facility if the proposal meets all the performance measures, any earthworks and setback requirements in the zone are met and if no other permits are required under another provision of the scheme.
Once finalised, the Guidelines will be incorporated in all Victorian planning schemes to provide consistency in balancing investment in and management of greyhound facilities with animal welfare and local amenity concerns.
The development of the draft Guidelines has been overseen by a cross-government Greyhound Racing and Welfare Reform Implementation Task Force.
The Task Force was set up to oversee the implementation of recommendations made by the Racing Integrity Commissioner and Chief Veterinary Officer in June 2015 including the need for all greyhound establishments be covered by one industry-specific code of practice that reflects community expectations and industry best practice.