The NSW Government has announced an additional $20-million for the COVID-19 showground stimulus program which has so far supported more than 1,300 jobs at 152 showgrounds across the State.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey joined Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh to open more than $300,000 in upgrades to Coffs Harbour Showground.
Mr Perrottet said the program was designed to improve local infrastructure and keep people in jobs and formed part of the NSW Government's $16 billion in health and economic stimulus measures.
"The Coffs Harbour showground upgrade has supported 32 jobs including electricians, plumbers, security installers, roofers, air-conditioning installers, asphalt workers, window fitters, shed erectors and a labourer," Mr Perrottet said.
"This program is literally helping to build our state's economic recovery and that's why we're topping it up with a further $20 million, bringing the funding for showground improvements to $55.7 million."
Ms Pavey said the funding had come at a critical time as COVID-19 had disrupted annual shows and many other activities showgrounds rely on.
"Showground upgrades across NSW have been wide ranging - from rebuilding grandstands, pavilions, arenas and stables, to new kitchens, amenities blocks, lighting and electrical systems, water and sewerage networks, and roads and paths.
"These investments are improving the safety, use and condition of showground infrastructure while supporting work for tradespeople and building materials suppliers."
Mr Singh said the Coffs Harbour showground upgrades had been well received by the local community.
"Our showground is a multi-use hub for everything from the annual show to dance groups, exhibitions, training seminars and private functions including weddings, so this upgrade work will benefit many people," Mr Singh said.
The upgrades include:
- $130,141 to replace almost 500 square metres of roofing on the Norm Jordan Pavilion and for the installation of new industrial air conditioning;
- $106,954 for the construction of a 11m x 15.4m room for training seminars and meetings and for use by community groups including dance and physical culture groups;
- $48,240 to upgrade the showground's northern gate entrance road;
- $5,450 for a new stormwater pipe underneath the road; and
- $12,607 to install new CCTV.
Coffs Harbour showground manager Steve Sullivan said the upgrades had made a massive improvement to the ground's amenities.
"It's a joy to have our assets lifted in quality and usability and this investment shows our showground will be here forever," Mr Sullivan said.
