More than $1.5 million has been awarded to eight agricultural show societies in the Parkes electorate for reinvigorating their showgrounds, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced.
The successful applicants include show societies at Baradine, Binnaway, Condobolin, Coonamble, Mendooran, Mungindi, Walgett and Warren.
“It’s not just ag shows that will benefit from this funding – it’s entire rural communities,” Mr Coulton said.
“Thanks to the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, we’ll be seeing work underway on new and improved showground facilities for everyone to enjoy.
“We know that many country shows in the Parkes electorate have had to cancel events in recent times – whether it be due to drought, or the COVID-19 pandemic – which has flow-on impacts to the local economy.
“Country shows support the social fabric of these close-knit communities.
“Having formerly been President of my local show society at Warialda, I know how much time and effort goes into ensuring shows go off without a hitch, but show societies need our support and they need proper infrastructure.
“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.”
Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would benefit both agricultural show societies and regional communities.
“These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia’s food and fibre,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These grants will help our show societies refurbish their showgrounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around they will be even more attractive to show goers.
“The Australian Government wants to see our agricultural shows continue to thrive, so that they can be enjoyed by Australians for generations to come.”
For a full list of successful applicants visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ag-shows
Media contact: Anna Tickle 0491 135 852
BACKGROUND:
• A total of $1,514,180 in grant funding has been awarded to show societies in the Parkes electorate under the Regional Ag Shows Development Grants program.
• There are around 580 agricultural shows across Australia, which contribute around $965 million to the economy each year.
• Nearly six million Australians visit an agricultural show each year.
LIST OF RECIPIENTS
Baradine P A & H Association $123,557.00
Construct a new livestock pavilion at Baradine Showground and Racecourse, administrative office upgrade, renovations to exhibition pavilion and kiosk, and installation of shade cover at the sheep judging area.
Binnaway P A H & I Association $88,763.25
Carry out works to upgrade the existing grandstand and poultry pavilion, purchasing portable, shaded grandstands, and installation of solar panels at Binnaway Showgrounds.
Condobolin P A H & I Association $45,060.00
Upgrade power supply infrastructure at the Condobolin Showground.
Coonamble Show Society $500,000.00
Refurbish and expand the horse/cattle complex, poultry pavilion, rebuild, replace arena fencing pavilion facilities and water infrastructure upgrade at Coonamble Showground.
Mendooran P A & H Association $117,480.00
Install portable spectator grandstands at Mendooran Showground, new loading ramp and cattle panels to replace existing yards, replace the sheep pavilion, install a rainwater tank, and extend the existing poultry exhibition centre.
Mungindi Show Society $181,860.00
Build new Secretary’s Office at the Mungindi Showground and Racecourse, incorporating space for community user groups and ensuring the reconstruction is elevated to reduce vulnerability to flood.
Walgett Show Society $291,895.00
Replace fencing and restore the surface of the Walgett Showground arena; Install new water infrastructure (pump tanks and watering troughs for stock and taps for visitors), and construct and install three shade sails for people and horses.
Warren Pastoral & Agricultural Association $165,565.00
Replace the main pavilion, including the installation of safe flooring, at the Warren Racecourse Showground.