Stroud Showground is set to receive an upgrade thanks to state government funding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Upper Hunter announced more than $679,000 in funding for showgrounds in his electorate under the NSW Government's COVID-19 showground stimulus program.
Mr Johnsen said Stroud, along with Merriwa, Muswellbrook and Gloucester 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 Johnsen 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:
- . $275,000 for Stroud Showground to construct a new amenities block including male and female change rooms.
- . $213,367 for Merriwa Showground to construct new campdraft yards to improve safety; and erect a three-bay drive through shed with six roller doors.
- . $150,415 for Muswellbrook Showground to upgrade its stables including installation of a new roof.
- . $40,485 for Gloucester Showground to upgrade about 200 metres of access road from the front entry to the dairy shed with a two-coat bitumen seal and gravel resurface another access road; install portable fence panels and gates in the dairy shed for public safety and animal control; and replace the gatekeeper's booth which has been damaged by white ants.
Mr Johnsen said the COVID-19 showground stimulus program has now allocated a total of $55.77 million to 795 showground improvement projects across the state.
Commenting on the funding for Stroud Showground, MidCoast Councillor Karen Hutchinson said the funding was a bonus for the Stroud community.
"Stroud Showground is the hub of our community and investing in projects such as the new change room facilities allows us to continue rebuilding our Showground after the 2015 Flood," Clr Hutchinson said.
"The user groups of Stroud Showground work hard to manage and to upgrade the Showground, and this project will be another huge asset to our user groups and community."
Mr Johnsen noted the amount of funding that has been rolled-out in NSW.
"The Nationals in Government have 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," Mr Johnsen 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, including in our Upper Hunter Electorate.
"Showground projects across our 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 our local carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters and other trades as well as our suppliers," Mr Johnsen concluded.