$1.14 Million Stimulus for Local Showrounds

26th February 2021

$1.14 MILLION STIMULUS FOR LOCAL SHOWGROUNDS

Member for Albury Justin Clancy today announced more than $1.14 million in funding will be provided for upgrade work to four local showgrounds under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 showground stimulus program.

Mr Clancy said Albury, Henty, Walbundrie and Holbrook 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,” Mr Clancy 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:

• $596,000 for Albury Showground to construct a new amenities block to service camping; convert an existing amenities block to include laundry facilities; and upgrade electricity infrastructure including installing solar panels.
• $450,000 for Henty Showground to upgrade the female and disabled amenities building and associated earthworks.
• $53,900 for Walbundrie Showground to lay new concrete pathways to improve access.
• $43,790 for Holbrook Showground to purchase steel sheep yard panels and pins, as well as 36 stackable storage bins for the panels.

Minister for Water, Housing and Property Melinda 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.

“We previously provided $35.77 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds which have so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Now with the allocation of this further $20 million we will see a further 172 upgrade projects at 73 showgrounds to support more improvements and jobs.

“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.”