The Member for Cootamundra today announced twenty local showgrounds across the Cootamundra electorate will benefit from $1,779,153 in funding as part of the NSW Government COVID-19 stimulus package.
Steph Cooke MP said she was delighted with the number of successful applicants from across the electorate.
“I pushed many of our local show societies to apply for this funding which will be a boost to local tradies and suppliers, and of course to our show societies who have already been doing it tough through drought and COVID-19,” Ms Cooke said.
“This is a fantastic result for many of our wonderful showgrounds who will now be able to undertake upgrades, build new infrastructure and improve these important community spaces.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this funding is 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.”
The twenty local showgrounds would be among 137 across the State that will benefit from the first tranche of funding.
“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,” Mrs Pavey said.
“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.”
Upgrades in the 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 mens 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, birdproofing material in the hall eaves, exterior flashing on the luncheon room, a story board for the memorial hall, and CCTV.
- $5,000 for Ardlethan Showground for internal shelving and framework for its poultry shed.
