The good news keeps on coming for Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association president Ross Matheson and his dedicated team.
Having already secured more than $1.9 million in funding to complete major works at the showground, Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston has today announced an additional $682,000 to go towards more works at the site.
Ms Preston said that the funding was provided under phase two of the government's COVID-19 showground stimulus program.
"It's fantastic to report that over $682k in funding has been secured for local showground upgrades," Ms Preston said.
"Showgrounds are multi-use community hubs and this continued funding comes at an important time as COVID-19 has been disrupting activities that showgrounds rely on for their income.
"This investment will improve the safety and quality of showground infrastructure while stimulating work for local trades and material suppliers."
The breakdown of improvements to Hawkesbury Showground are as follows:
- $310,530 for stable refurbishment;
- $102,014 for reconfiguration, refurbishment of aged amenities block;
- $97,834 for upgrade and resurfacing of main internal roadway;
- $58,732 for upgrade and replacement of main arena ground announcer boxes;
- $29,755 for safety fencing to competition arena 3 and arena 4;
- $25,657 for supply and installation of post and rail fencing to equestrian competition and exercise arena;
- $22,000 for upgrade of major electrical distribution control boards;
- $21,842 for replacement of guttering and drainage on administration building; and
- $13,908 for canine training and competition arena permanent seating.
Planning Rob Stokes said that another $20 million had been allocated to showground upgrades across the state from the stimulus program.
"Our previous investment of $35 million helped upgrade these important community facilities while stimulating local economies and providing jobs for local tradespeople and suppliers," he said.
"This additional $20 million investment will ensure that good work continues with a further 172 upgrade projects at 73 showgrounds to create better public spaces.
"Showground projects across the State have been wide ranging - from rebuilds of grandstands, pavilions, arenas and stables to upgrades of kitchen and amenities blocks, lighting and electrical systems, water and sewerage networks and roads."
