The Taree Showground will be upgraded thanks to a significant investment from the NSW Nationals.
Nationals' Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the government will invest more than $158,000 to upgrade infrastructure and improve the showground's ability to service the community of Taree.
"This funding provided by the NSW Nationals will be used to replace a dilapidated shed providing a new venue for showground users including school camps, markets and other community events," Mr Anderson said.
"The new shed will also enable the showground to be a base for emergency services and shelter residents and animals during a natural disaster."
Mr Anderson said the Taree Showground funding builds on $415,667 allocated to support local reserves and community facilities across the Myall Lakes region from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
"Showgrounds are multi-use facilities at the heart of local communities and are used for everything from agricultural shows, rodeos and horse clubs to festivals, caravans and camping, and sport and recreation events," Mr Anderson said.
"Investing in showgrounds improves the safety, use and condition of local infrastructure while stimulating regional economies with work for trades and suppliers."
NSW Nationals' candidate for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, has welcomed the new funding.
"The Taree Showground is one of the great venues of our region. It's home to the annual Taree Show in October and so many other great events, but it's much more than that. I am thrilled the Nationals have been able to deliver the funding for this upgrade," Mrs Thompson said.
Taree Showground is a community asset owned in trust by Manning River Agricultural and Horticultural Society. The society is managing the upgrade with funding from Crown Lands.
