Photo one: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (middle) officially opened the new cattle and poultry pavilion at the Coonamble Show on Wednesday. He is pictured with Coonamble Show Society President Henry Moxham (left) and members of the committee.
Attendees, competitors and exhibitors at the 2022 Coonamble Show were able to enjoy improved facilities, with major upgrades completed thanks to a $500,000 Commonwealth Government grant.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton officially opened the new cattle complex and poultry pavilion, funded under the former Coalition Government’s Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, at the Show on Wednesday.
“It was a pleasure to open the new facilities and see just what a difference these upgrades have made to the Coonamble Showground, which has never looked better,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Coonamble Show Society was one of eight agricultural show societies in the Parkes electorate to receive funding through the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program to reinvigorate their showgrounds.
“Country shows are often a highlight on the social calendar for these regional communities and this funding has helped local volunteers rejuvenate their facilities to attract more visitors as they bounce back from COVID-19.
“The Coonamble Show Society has put its funding to good use, completing a range of projects to improve the showground, including the construction of a new cattle and poultry multipurpose pavilion, an extension of the main pavilion and the installation of disabled toilets, as well as a full arena fence upgrade.
“These upgrades were completed by local Coonamble contractors, providing an economic boost to the community, and resulting in more modern facilities which will benefit the community for years to come. The new facilities were certainly put to good use during the Show this week, and were welcomed by the committee and show-goers alike.”
Coonamble Show Society President Henry Moxham said it was great to see the new facilities in action over the two days of the Show.
“The showground is always well maintained, but it really looks fantastic now,” Mr Moxham said.
“Everyone was extremely positive about how the upgrades have improved the showground. The old facilities were built over 60 years ago, so these improvements have brought the showground into the 21st Century and made it safer and more accessible for everyone.
“One of our favourite things about these improvements is that they will not only benefit the Show Society, but will be used by an array of other local organisations in the community.”
The Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program was established in 2020 in response to COVID-19 restrictions which meant many shows were forced to cancel and as a result, much-needed repairs and upgrades to showgrounds were not completed.
Eligible show societies could apply for grants of up to $500,000 to repair, upgrade, build or buy showground infrastructure or attractions. These grants have helped to keep agricultural shows running, and the showgrounds open for community activities throughout the year.
As part of the 2022-23 Budget, the former Coalition Government committed $15.4 million for an additional grant round which will run over two years from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
For more information about the Agricultural Show Development Grants Program, visit www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/infrastructure/ag-shows/development-grants-program
