Cootamundra will soon be home to a multipurpose equestrian and livestock facility thanks to $158,000 from the Nationals in Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the facility would provide a safe, all-weather venue for livestock exhibitions and the annual Cootamundra Show.
“The new facility will be more accessible and will support the Cootamundra Show Society, Pony Club, Riding for the Disabled, Kennel Club and other organisations, as well as horse and cattle shows,” Ms Cooke said.
“A much-needed undercover space will also be constructed allowing people from the surrounding rural communities to meet and hold events.
“The vision for this project is to provide a year-round venue for a wide range of events, recreational activities and competitions, and a place for social interaction within this close-knit country community.”
The facility will have portable panels and yards and can easily be transformed to adapt to the needs of each event as well as weather conditions.
Heather Bush, secretary of the Cootamundra APH&I Association, said the new facility would be made to last.
“It is envisaged that this facility will serve the community well into the future and we have included safety rails and gates, loading facilities, portable panels and yards, an administration office, construction of a roof over adjacent horse yards, power and lighting,” Ms Bush said.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the grant was funded through the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program.
“More than $50 million in funding is being provided during this current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture,” Mr Toole said.
These grants are funded by a contribution from the state’s registered clubs to reinvest profits from gaming machines back into community projects.
