Parkes, Bogan Gate and Canowindra showgrounds will undergo safety upgrades as part of a $9.2 million program by the NSW Government to improve showgrounds for future generations.
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Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the NSW Government is investing $9.2 million in safety upgrades to showgrounds across the state so they can continue doing their tremendous work serving local communities.
"Parkes, Bogan Gate and Canowindra showgrounds are among the first 17 showgrounds chosen to undergo work with more to follow", said Mr Farraway
"At Parkes, repairs will be done to the showground grandstand structure, floor and steps and new steel handrails will be installed.
"The showground function building will get repairs to its roof and guttering, a new floor slab will be laid and external brickwork will be strengthened.
"The old showground stable and its roof frame will get structural repairs, a new colorbond shed will be built to house animals, and an old shed will be removed.
"An assessment will also be done to identify needed electrical work which is expected to include upgrades that will improve power supplies for showground events."
We're counting down the months until the Parkes Shire show season. Check out last year's Parkes Show photos Part 1 here and Part 2 here to get you in the mood.
Mr Farraway said work at Bogan Gate Showground will include replacement of three old creek crossing bridges to the golf course with new steel bridges.
"An old shed will also be replaced with a new colorbond steel shed, and an old pit toilet replaced with a new toilet block with accessible facilities connected to a septic system," he said.
"Also various structures that are partly demolished and present a hazard will be removed including an old loading ramp and commentator's box."
Work at Canowindra Showground will include repairs to the grandstand structure, floor, handrails, staircases, and new steel handrails.
"Structural and welding repairs will also be done to the awning of the clubhouse building, and an old shed will be replaced with a new colorbond shed on a concrete slab," Mr Farraway said.
"Plumbing repairs will include a new main drainage line and a dilapidated unused toilet block that contains asbestos will be safely demolished and removed.
"External stairs will be installed on the pavilion's three exits, and minor electrical repairs will be done including new wiring to some areas of the pavilion."
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said there are over 170 showgrounds on Crown land across NSW with most managed by local councils, not-for-profit organisations and volunteer boards.
"Once upgrade work is completed on the first 17 showgrounds more work will be prioritised at other locations," she said.
"Showgrounds are at the heart of our communities as shown during the recent bushfires with over 30 serving as safe-haven emergency centres."
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