THE state's showgrounds have received another welcome economic boost from the state government, to the tune of $20 million.
The funds, announced by the state government on Friday, will go towards funding 172 upgrade projects at 76 different showgrounds across the state, as well as supporting local jobs.
NSW Water and Property and Housing Minister Melinda Pavey said the latest cash splash brought the state government's total investment in showgrounds as part of its COVID-19 stimulus program to $55 million.
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"This investment will improve the safety and quality of showground infrastructure while stimulating local economies by providing work for a host of local tradies and materials suppliers," Mrs Pavey said.
"Showgrounds are incredibly valuable community infrastructure, whether it's for events and shows or use as emergency centres during crisis events.
"This investment in Crown land ensures showgrounds can continue to serve communities throughout the state for many years to come, building a stronger and safer regional NSW."
So far, the funding has been used by show societies across the state for a variety of works, such as the reconstruction of grandstands, road upgrades and fencing.
NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the funding was also helping to create jobs in regional communities.
"The NSW Government previously provided $35 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds, which has so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators", Mr Stokes said.
"Now with the allocation of this further $20 million we will see another 172 upgrade projects at 73 showgrounds to support more improvements and jobs.
"Showgrounds are multi-use facilities at the heart of our communities and this continued funding comes at a critical time when COVID-19 has been disrupting annual shows and other activities that showgrounds rely on for their income."
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
