Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey today announced more than $1.2 million in funding will be provided for upgrade work to three local showgrounds under the NSW Government's COVID-19 showground stimulus program.
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Ms Pavey said Kempsey, Bellingen and Wauchope showgrounds will all get upgrades to improve their facilities and infrastructure while supporting local work.
"Our local showgrounds are multi-use community hubs so it's terrific to see this further investment in infrastructure upgrades to keep them safe and functional for future generations," Ms Pavey said.
"Showgrounds provide facilities for agricultural shows and community groups with many also serving as relief centres during bushfires and floods to provide shelter for residents and animals and a base for emergency services."
Latest funding allocations include:
- $1,007,000 for Kempsey Showground to upgrade its arena with additional grandstand seating and stronger lights, covering a wider area, to support evening events; construction of new equine facility amenities; exterior painting of two main buildings and removal of old lead paint and asbestos; redevelopment of the storage building to meet safety and building standards.
- $109,422 for Bellingen Showground to place electrical infrastructure underground to reduce maintenance and provide safer and more flexible use of showground land including camping and horse stabling areas.
- $91,300 for Wauchope Showground to refurbish the exhibition poultry shed including new poultry cages and flooring. The shed was used as an evacuation centre for animals during the 2019 bushfires.
Ms Pavey said the COVID-19 showground stimulus program has now allocated a total of $55.77 million to 795 showground improvement projects across the state.
"Showground projects across the State have been wide ranging - from rebuilds of grandstands, pavilions, arenas and stables to upgrades of kitchen and amenities blocks, lighting and electrical systems, water and sewerage networks and roads.
"These investments are providing a kickstart by improving the safety, use and condition of showground infrastructure while stimulating communities with work for carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters and other trades as well as suppliers."
