Upper House MP Sam Farraway today announced more than $2.82 million in funding will be provided for upgrade work to eight showgrounds in the Barwon region under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 showground stimulus program.
Mr Farraway said Narrabri, Mendooran, Bourke, Cobar, Tooraweenah, Warren, Baradine and Coonabarabran 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 $2,827,290 investment in infrastructure upgrades to keep them safe and functional for future generations,” Mr Farraway 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.”
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 76 showgrounds to support more improvements and jobs.
“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.”
Latest funding allocations include:
· $979,682 for Narrabri Showground to replace arena lighting and infrastructure at the harness racing track and grass arena; construct a new horticulture pavilion; construct a new cattle pavilion; maintain and upgrade roads; extend the main pavilion toilet block and install new accessible toilet facilities and new footpath for safe access; extend the trotting track toilet block and install new accessible toilet facilities; and replace and upgrade sections of races and yards at the rodeo arena for better stock flow and animal safety.
· $467,063 for Mendooran Showground to construct a new amenities block with disabled access and laundry facilities.
· $460,016 for Bourke Showground to install a public shade structure and refurbish the Caretaker's Cottage at Renshaw Oval.
· $383,100 for Cobar Showground to upgrade its carpark facility and roadworks.
· $163,350 for Tooraweenah Showground to construct a new office and first aid room.
· $121,000 for Warren Showground to relocate the cattle yards and install electrical supply points to the cattleman's and horse sports camping area.
· $107,749 for Baradine Showground to purchase four lots of mobile grandstand seating; roof and gutter repairs to the main pavilion; install a new awning and concrete entry steps to the main pavilion; install a showground wide public address system; install water supply to the agricultural area used by Baradine Central School; and install emergency exit doors in the main pavilion.
· $83,446 for Gilgandra Showground to replace and upgrade its perimeter fencing to provide better safety and security for showground users and stock.
· $61,884 for Coonabarabran Showground to upgrade a toilet block with new fixtures and surfaces; replace cattle yard panels; replace degraded post and fence rails; and modify its rodeo race and gates to improve safety.
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