Another much-needed cash injection has been granted to the Griffith Showgrounds, with Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres announcing the $240,000 investment on Thursday August 17.
Mr Toole said the NSW Government’s Public Reserves Management Fund program would make a $191,869 contribution to the Griffith Showground Trust.
“A well-maintained, vibrant and sustainable showground is the pride of many communities across regional NSW,” Mr Toole said
“This grant from the Public Reserves Management Fund will be used to upgrade the Showground, and detailed condition assessment of other showground facilities and infrastructure will also be done to help plan for future needs.”
President of the Griffith Showground Trust Christine Stead is excited to receive the funds, around $30,000 more than expected.
"We are all very happy, especially our members and volunteers of the show and trust, some who have been here for 60 years who get to see the grants being put to good use,” Cr Stead said.
“We now have to get in and get the job done and make sure the community utilitises it.”
The Showgrounds recently received funds earlier in the year for urgent electrical upgrades, and in 2016 received $323,000 in funding to replace the timber floor and roof for the showground’s Woodside Hall.
Mr Ayres said an additional $50,000 will be spent on irrigation works at the showground to ensure cricket clubs have a quality ground to play on.
"Local cricket clubs here in Griffith that cater for all ages know that having decent turf is vital to keep playing matches throughout the season," Mr Ayres said.
Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli said the Griffith Showground is an important community hub for locals and visitors.
“The Griffith Showground plays an important role in our region and this funding from the NSW Government will ensure the site continues to provide social and economic benefits to our community,” Mr Piccoli said.
