Taxpayers have been slugged $22.5 million for a shutdown greyhound track in Sydney’s southwest – despite the land being officially valued at just $2.6 million.
The eye-watering payout for the former Appin Way track has triggered fury, with critics demanding to know why the NSW government agreed to pay about nine times the site’s assessed value.
The 19-hectare parcel at Appin was acquired by the NSW government as part of the Cumberland Koala Corridor, but the staggering final figure has now sparked backlash from locals and politicians who say the deal simply does not stack up.
MORE NEWS
Aussie island plans A-list revival
Foreign investors eye Aus farm bigger than 38 countries
Shocking photos expose outback apocalypse
Documents obtained by Seven News show the government negotiated with the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association to buy the land through compulsory acquisition.
While the Valuer General assessed the property at $2.6 million, the government’s opening offer was reportedly $9 million – before the final agreed sum ballooned to $22.5 million.
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst blasted the payout, saying it “absolutely does not pass the pub test”.
A government acquisition deal is facing scrutiny after a site valued at $2.6 million ended up costing taxpayers $22.5 million. Source: 7NEWS
The 19-hectare Greyhound track at Appin sold for $22.5m. Source: 7NEWS
“We also want to see the government come forward and actually give an explanation as to why they have paid the amount,” Ms Hurst said.
The NSW government has defended the purchase, saying the agreed figure was based on independent planning and ecological advice.
Even so, the transaction is likely to fuel broader concern over the cost of the state’s koala conservation push, with more land still expected to be secured under the corridor plan.
When the closure was announced last year, Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association chief executive Daniel Weizman said the organisation had fought unsuccessfully against the acquisition.
The track first opened to the public in 1975. Source: Facebook/ Appin Way Greyhound Track
Tow happy pooches. Source: Facebook/ Appin Way Greyhound Track
“The NSW Government has forcibly acquired the property as part of the Cumberland Koala Corridor,” he said at the time.
“The GBOTA received the proposed acquisition notice in early December, which means the land will be acquired at the end of February.
“We approached the Government about the matter but were unsuccessful in having the acquisition of the track overturned.
“We have been offered remuneration for the site but feel the offer is totally unacceptable.”
Appin Way during happier days. Source: Facebook/ Appin Way Greyhound Track
The track opened on October 4, 1975 with a crowd in excess of 12,000 on hand for the event.
For now, it’s the official end of an era for the historic track, which closed for good in early 2026, ending a history stretching back to 1975 when it opened to a crowd of more than 12,000.
It later became linked to the infamous Fine Cotton saga in 1984, when Catholic priest Father Edward “Ted” O’Dwyer allegedly placed a $4,000 bet for those involved in the sting.
It was also the track where broadcaster Ray Hadley launched his radio career.
