Horse riders will find it easier to train and compete at Coonabarabran Showground in the state's north west after the NSW Government provided more than $77,000 to deliver a top-quality surface in the main arena.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the arena surface had become slippery and too dangerous to hold camp drafting, so the upgrade will be a game-changer that will allow camp drafting to return to Coonabarabran.
Coonabarabran Showground is a Crown reserve, with the upgrade to be funded through the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands from the NSW Government's Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
"The upgrade will allow equestrian sports people, pony club members and camp drafters to train and compete with confidence, as they focus on developing and demonstrating their impressive skills," Mr Anderson said.
Washed sand will be sourced from a local contractor to line the main arena to a depth that meets the needs of rodeo and camp draft events. The new surface will be easier to maintain, allowing the volunteer committee who manages Coonabarabran Showground to spend less time cleaning and smoothing the arena.
The new surface will support the North West Equestrian Expo that holds barrel racing for high school aged riders. Coonabarabran Pony Club will also use the area for dressage and horse sports camps, including penning and camp drafting.
This latest investment follows $68,884 in previous funding for Coonabarabran Showground from the NSW Government's Showground Stimulus Program, to upgrade fencing and a toilet block and deliver new rodeo gates and a cattle yard.
