Please note, this photo was taken before social distancing measures were implemented
Showgrounds across the state are set to receive funding from the NSW Nationals in Government to upgrade facilities and help create local jobs.
NSW Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin announced Alstonville, Mullumbimby, Bonalbo, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Nimbin and Tenterfield showgrounds were among many that would benefit from the funding as part of the Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package.
“Annual shows and events held at our showgrounds bring such enjoyment to the community and it’s devastating that COVID-19 has forced them to be postponed,” Mr Franklin said.
“With local events and agricultural shows not going ahead, our showgrounds have lost a lot of income that they rely on.
“This stimulus package is designed to assist showgrounds in improving infrastructure and help them get ready for a great annual season when restrictions are lifted.
“This investment by the NSW Government will also provide jobs for tradies and suppliers and continue to make sure showgrounds are a place for the community to come together and have fun.”
Around the grounds
Rural and regional areas right across the state will get upgrades, with 137 in total to benefit from the funding.
Upgrades in the Northern Rivers will include:
- $125,000 to Lismore Showground for electrical upgrades to replace distribution boards.
- $92,980 for Murwillumbah Showground to replace stairs and doors on its pavilion; replace rails and gates on the showground arena ring; refurbish horse stables; and replace ridge capping, roofing, guttering and downpipes on two buildings.
- $47,900 to Bonalbo Showground for electrical infrastructure; a fit-out to its kitchen, barbecue and bar building; and installation of panelling to its horse stall.
- $22,000 for Nimbin Showground to tile an amenities block.
- $13,220 for Tenterfield Showground to remove dead trees and repair white ant damage to its tool shed and toilet block.
- $11,165 for Alstonville Showground to upgrade its hot water system and paint its ring fence.
- $18,776 to replace the old wooden cattle yards at Mullumbimby Showground.
Upgrades in the Tamworth area will include:
- $185,602 for Walcha Showground to repair horse stalls and for sheep pavilion repairs and upgrades.
- $94,369 for Gunnedah Showground to install compliant side railings and a balustrade in the main grandstand, upgrade the kitchen and install six whirly birds in Griffiths Hall, stall external lights and demolition of the stables.
- $38,434 for Manilla Showground to demolish and replace the existing stable block.
- $9300 for Barraba Showground to undertake plumbing works.
Upgrades in the Orange area will include:
- $157,245 for Orange Showground main arena fencing, perimeter fencing.
- $124,197 for Canowindra Showground to install underground power, upgrade the tea room appliances, and stage two pavilion works.
- $58,464 for Manildra Showground key repairs and improvements to the main pavilion, and to move the shearing board.
- $54,870 for Tullamore Showground to upgrade the amenities block, concrete the poultry shed floor, re-line the dining room walls, and buy new appliances and cattle panels.
- $45,234 for Eugowra Showground to replace six electrical and water supply points, install roller door and replace damaged timber inside the pavilion, re-line committee room and replace fixtures, paint new surfaces, replace carpet tiles in the Committee room and replace carpet tiles with waterproof flooring in the Secretary’s office.
- $34,700 for Trundle Showground for new stables.
- $20,000 for Molong Showground to upgrade and repair the septic system, install a distribution board enclosure, and repair the broken electrical conduit.
- $20,000 for Bedgerabong Showground for an access and security upgrade which includes new padlocks, signage and fencing.
- $15,883 for Forbes Showground to enclose the Ben Hall Shears Shed.
- $10,000 for Cumnock Showground to install insulated access opening and replace the conduit saddle clamps on power pole.
- $5500 for Cudal Showground to install the distribution board enclosure.
- $5500 for Yeoval Showground to install the distribution board enclosure.
Upgrades in the Oxley area will include:
- $625,000 for Wauchope Showground to replace two old wooden grandstands and replace three old wooden stables with new steel stables.
- $203,500 for Dorrigo Showground to add a roof to the cutting horse arena.
- $198,000 for Kempsey Showground for restoration work on stables and to develop a dressage arena.
- $176,980 for Bellingen Showground for construction of a covered arena area.
- $65,000 for electrical upgrade work at Macksville Showground.
- $14,795 for Comboyne Showground to install new sewer and wastewater lines.
Upgrades in the southern region will include:
- $302,716 for Junee Showground to renovate the Lord Pavilion, construct a new toilet block, and replace water pipes.
- $282,665 for Gundagai Showground to upgrade its stable complex, install water and power hubs in camping areas, install new skillions on the canteen, and lop and remove dangerous trees.
- $244,992 for Barellan Showground to construct two single-storey amenity and toilet buildings.
- $153,203 for Cootamundra Showground for electrical upgrades, installation of a new solar system, an upgrade to LED lighting at three pavilions, and painting and maintenance of the luncheon pavilion.
- $144,786 for Illabo Showground to rebuild the bar area and sheep yards and install additional power points for camping.
- $132,461 for Bribbaree Showground to repair and paint the exterior of its pony club pavilion, install external fencing to the club’s arena, upgrade canteen and kitchen facilities, construct return yards for the camp draft arena; and install a new water tank.
- $114,108 for Weethalle Showground to refurbish its kitchen, install outdoor seating, and install power to its recreation ground.
- $82,500 for Cowra Showground to construct entrance, exit and internal roads; install power connections for additional camping sites; improve laundry facilities; install solar lighting; and construct additional disabled toilet facilities.
- $75,606 for Ungarie Showground for upgrade work on its rodeo arena, display shelves and refurbishment of its kiosk.
- $54,956 for Temora Showground to upgrade the kitchen in its supper room; roof, guttering and drainage repairs; and install air conditioning.
- $35,000 for Narrandera Showground to upgrade the Pioneer Hall kitchen and install a hot water system and disabled walkway.
- $30,800 for Coolamon Showground for a water infrastructure upgrade; install fire extinguishers and fire blankets; replace a damaged support column in the horse stalls; new stairs for the men’s and ladies change rooms; replace exhaust units in the all-purpose building; patch, seal and paint toilets; and demolish an old shed.
- $27,500 for Young Showground to purchase and install CCTV.
- $21,247 for Harden Showground to replace the ceiling and paint the interior of the Cowabbie building, repair and paint its entrance gates, and paint the inside of the lunch pavilion.
- $19,250 for Grenfell Showground to install soundproof ceiling and insulation in the main pavilion dining room.
- $17,241 for Ganmain Showground for internal road construction and resurfacing.
- $16,000 for Koorawatha Showground to install evaporative cooling for its luncheon booth.
- $12,893 for Morongla Showground to replace its toilets with water efficient units, paint the interior of the main hall and ceiling of the supper room, replacement of fencing, and surface levelling and compacting around storage sheds.
- $6,229 for Woodstock Showground to install four new power outlets, bird proofing material in the hall eaves, exterior flashing on the luncheon room, a storyboard for the memorial hall, and CCTV.
- $5,000 for Ardlethan Showground for internal shelving and framework for its poultry shed.
Delivering for the regions
NSW Nationals Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this funding was part of $25 million that will be spent over two years to improve showgrounds across the state.
“$12.5 million is being allocated immediately to get projects underway this financial year under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Stimulus Package,” Mrs Pavey said.
“We will then follow through by allocating another $12.5 million for more work across showgrounds to be announced next financial year.
“Showgrounds today are multi-use facilities for a range of activities from agricultural shows, rodeos and horse clubs to farmers markets, festivals, camping, men’s sheds, and sport and cultural events.
“Our showgrounds are at the heart of communities including serving as evacuation centres during bushfire and flood so we want to keep them in good shape.”
