Four showgrounds in the Bega Valley will benefit from $347,000 in funding as part of the NSW government's COVID-19 stimulus package.
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Showgrounds are used by a variety of groups for many reasons, for instance the Bega Showground was used as a evacuation centre during the Tathra region's bushfires in March 2018 as well as in last summer's widespread fires.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said Bega, Bemboka, Cobargo and Pambula showgrounds will receive funding to upgrade and improve the safety, use and condition of their infrastructure and support jobs in the local economy.
"When COVID-19 hit it forced the postponement or cancellation of agricultural shows and many activities that showgrounds rely on for their income," Mr Constance said.
"This investment by the NSW government will provide a boost for our local showgrounds and the communities they serve by supporting tradies and suppliers with work and strengthening showground infrastructure for the future."
The upgrades include:
- $129,690 for Bega Showground to replace its arena floodlights.
- $46,207 for Bemboka Showground to install three phase power cables to the showground to improve its power supplies.
- $21,606 for Cobargo Showground to install access ramps and handrails, resurface a roadway, and install a steel arena fence.
- $150,370 for Pambula Showground for earthworks, roadworks and access works for the wood chopping arena, upgrade work on the horse stables and car park, and to provide concrete stairs and pads for main arena seating.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this funding is part of $25million that will be spent over two years to improve showgrounds across the state.
"$12.5million is being allocated immediately to get projects underway this financial year under the NSW government's COVID-19 Stimulus Package," she said.
"We will then follow through by allocating another $12.5million for more work across showgrounds to be announced next financial year."
