COFFS Harbour Showgrounds in a normal year are a hive of activity almost every day of the year and serves as a hub for community interaction and entertainment.

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Constant use brings with it maintenance and repair issues, and the showgrounds have received over $300,000 from the State Government to upgrade the facilities on the site.

The work has included air conditioning and roof replacement work in the Norm Jordan pavilion, fencing and road works, drainage, CCTV and an entirely new building that is now available for hire.

State Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and local member of parliament Gurmesh Singh visited the showgrounds on Wednesday 28 October to officially recognise and open the new features.

Mr Perrottet said the program was designed to improve local infrastructure and keep people in jobs and formed part of the NSW Government’s $16 billion in health and economic stimulus measures.

“The Coffs Harbour showground upgrade has supported 32 jobs including electricians, plumbers, security installers, roofers, air-conditioning installers, asphalt workers, window fitters, shed erectors and a labourer, this program is literally helping to build our state’s economic recovery and that’s why we’re topping it up with a further $20 million, bringing the funding for showground improvements to $55.7 million.”

Ms Pavey said the funding had come at a critical time as COVID-19 had disrupted annual shows and many other activities showgrounds rely on.

“These investments are improving the safety, use and condition of showground infrastructure while supporting work for tradespeople and building materials suppliers.”

Mr Singh said the Coffs Harbour showground upgrades had been well received by the local community.

“Our showground is a multi-use hub for everything from the annual show to dance groups, exhibitions, training seminars and private functions including weddings, so this upgrade work will benefit many people,” Mr Singh said.

Showground Manager Steve Sullivan said, “These improvements will help support the hundreds of activities we host each year, as well as helping the twenty-one community groups that call the showgrounds home.”

By David TUNE