Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (top, right) with members of the Binnaway Show Society including Treasurer James Larkin (top) and President Harry Powell (middle).
The Binnaway Showgrounds will receive a new lease on life with $88,763 of funding under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program for infrastructure upgrades.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, who visited Binnaway this week, said the improvements will make a great difference to future show events.
“It was terrific to meet with members of the show society in Binnaway – it’s clear to see just how passionate and hard-working these volunteers are, which is a credit to the entire team,” Mr Coulton said.
“Thanks to the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, we’ll be seeing work underway on new and improved showground facilities to bring more visitors to the Binnaway Show.
“The project includes upgrades to the existing grandstand and poultry pavilion, purchasing portable, shaded grandstands, and installing solar panels.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to our country towns once we get ahead of the coronavirus. It means more local employment and more support for local businesses.”
President Harry Powell said the upgrades will be widely welcomed.
“The Binnaway Show Society is extremely grateful to Mr Coulton for taking the time to visit and see our showground facilities firsthand,” Mr Powell said.
“We extend our gratitude to Mark and the Australian Government for this grant, which will allow us to continue upgrading our facilities and improving the events we hold here for the community.
“Mark is a bush boy so he understands what it’s like in small communities and how much grants like this will help.”
Binnaway was one of eight agricultural show societies in the Parkes electorate which shared in $1.5 million to reinvigorate their showgrounds under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program. For a full list of successful applicants, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ag-shows
