Moree Showground will be even more inviting to visitors and user groups when it undergoes a major overhaul of some of its facilities, thanks to a $316,903 state government grant.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the grant is from the state government's COVID-19 Showground Stimulus Package, which will go towards improvements at Moree Showground, making it more inviting for functions while increasing safety for user groups and visitors.
"Every aspect of this significant works program contributes to making the Moree Showground safer, more attractive for the community and more financially viable," Mr Marshall said.
"The showground has come a long way in the last five years, thanks to significant volunteer work and the support of numerous government grants and local NSW Crown Lands staff.
"Like many facilities across our region the drought has taken a considerable toll on the Moree Showground and this funding will be an enormous boost."
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Mr Marshall said $175,000 of the funding will go towards dust suppression by fully bitumen sealing the showground's internal roads.
A new industrial kitchen with stainless steel bench tops and cupboards, dishwasher, cooktops and exhaust fan in the grandstand hall will also be installed.
"This will bring the food preparation area up to health standards and make it the perfect space to host community events," Mr Marshall said.
Funding will also be used to reconfigure the showers at the campsite to allow better drainage.
"Currently water can't run get away and the showground caretakers are worried a visitor may slip over and injure themselves," Mr Marshall said.
Lighting will be installed at the stables, to make tending to horses at night safer, while an extended CCTV network across the grounds will be installed in an effort to deter vandals and thieves.
Finally, Mr Marshall said the showground will be able to significantly slash its power bill by $24,000 a year by installing a new solar power system.
"The electricity bill for the showground is around $70,000 each year, drawing on funds which could be spent on other maintenance projects - and now, a big chunk of that money will be saved," he said.
"The solar system be split over two sites for maximum efficiency, with panels to be put on the Moree Boxing Academy shed and main amenities block.
"The energy generated from the panels will help offset the cost of running an extended CCTV network across the grounds, with additional cameras being put in to reduce vandalism and theft.
"With an increased income from events and reduced overheads the Moree Showground Trust will be better equipped to deal with maintenance as it arises, ensuring the community has a ground which is functional and it can be proud of."
