Coffs contractor to lose 300k from greyhound racing ban

Ernie Burnett, Burnett Plumbing and Burnett Civil, said the next financial year will be tough on his civil contracting business.

STRUGGLING: Coffs Harbour contractor, Ernie Burnett's business is feeling the pressure. Picture: Trevor Veale

THE closure of the greyhound industry has stripped a Coffs Harbour contractor of more than $300,000 worth of work.

Ernie Burnett, Burnett Plumbing and Burnett Civil, said the next financial year will be tough on his civil contracting business.

"It's just another kick in the ribs. It's not live or die, but it is a concern," Mr Burnett said.

Mr Burnett said his contracting outfit will tighten up until more work is sought.

"It's going to make it difficult, I'll have to find work for them (Mr Burnett's employees)," he said.

Burnett Plumbing and Burnett Civil liaised with greyhound tracks from Casino to Wentworth Park in Sydney to undertake works on the race tracks, including maintenance and re-builds.

The business is already feeling the pinch as they wait for payment from contracted Pacific Hwy upgrade works completed a year ago.

Mr Burnett said the State Government's fast-tracked shut down of the industry was "morally wrong", citing flow-on effects to other businesses and their families in rural towns, particularly out west.

"That flow-on effect is from the kids going to school to buying groceries for those people," he said.

"They (the State Government) don't look at the bigger picture."

Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser abstained from the vote to decide the industry's fate late last month

Mr Burnett said all MP should have voted against banning the industry in NSW

"I think they all should have voted to keep it (the greyhound industry)," he said.