Nowra Showground now has an improved ability to host evacuations and major community events following a NSW Government upgrade to its audio system of over $89,000.
The investment has transformed a previously clunky public address system from one that was difficult for patrons to hear and understand to an effective means of communicating to crowds of people.
Nowra Showground is an official Evacuation Centre for the Shoalhaven region in the event of bushfires and floods, serving a vital dual purpose to its role in hosting the annual show and other events like swap meets, car shows and equestrian events.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the upgrade was part of a $292,000 investment in Crown land reserves across the region that was announced in 2020 through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
"The latest round of the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund is now open for applications until 3 June, with $17 million on offer statewide to maintain and upgrade Crown reserves, including showgrounds," Mr Anderson said.
"The fund improves open recreational spaces, upgrades to community facilities on Crown land, and helps protect our environmental diversity."
The new $89,689 public address system passed its first major test at the Nowra Show in February, proving the showground's capabilities if it is needed as an evacuation hub during a natural disaster.
A good public address system is important for running public events at the showground, whether to announce lost children, manage an emergency or simply inform and entertain the crowd in the grandstands.
Sunset view from Hanging Rock Lookout at the back of Nowra Showground - credit James Blakeney.
