Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey to announce funding for the Morongla Showground from the NSW Government COVID-19 stimulus package.
A grant of $12,893 will be used to replace toilets with water efficient units, paint the interior of the main hall and ceiling of the supper room, replace fencing, and undertake surface levelling and compacting around storage sheds.
Ms Cooke said the funding would help the ground be ready for future events.
“The Morongla Show celebrated its 100 birthday just last year and needs the right facilities to help it thrive in to its second century. It’s fantastic to be able to announce this grant,” Ms Cooke said.
“Some of this maintenance work is already underway, which shows the passion the community has for their showground.”
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.”
David Langfield from the Morongla Creek Showground Land Manager said the improvements were welcomed by the community.
“The funding is helping us do some maintenance that has been needed for a while, it is a big help for the small community of Morongla,” Mr Langfield said.
“March 2021 will mark 120 years since our Showground Hall was opened, so it’s great we will be able to undertake these upgrades.”
