Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Warialda Showground Trust Secretary David Coulton inspecting the old horse stables, which will soon make way for new spacious replacements.
Thursday, 11 June 2020
THE Hilton of horse stables will soon be constructed at the Warialda Showground, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $226,489 State Government grant to finally demolish and replace the old and dilapidated wooden stables.
Mr Marshall said funding to rebuild the 65-year-old structure was made available through the State Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package.
“When COVID-19 hit it forced the postponement of Warialda Show, one of the main events the showground trust relies on for its income each year and the community looks forward to,” Mr Marshall said.
“To immediately stimulate local building sectors and ensure showgrounds, like Warialda, could be maintained during the pandemic, the government allocated $12.5 million across the State to get projects underway this financial year.
“The old western stables are made of iron bark posts, cypress cross beams and a corrugated iron roof, which pose a significant safety risk to people and their horses.
“Like the Hilton Hotel, the new stables will have it all, with close to 100 individual 3m by 3m metre stalls, each with large gate and iron roof.
“Six of the stalls will be fully enclosed to provide suitable stabling for stallions, with the new complex also set to include an animal drug testing stall and much needed, additional storage space.”
Secretary of the Warialda Showground Trust David Coulton said the replacement of the western stables would deliver long-term economic and social benefits to Warialda.
“Not only do events at our showground bring our community together, but they bring important visitor dollars into town,” Mr Coulton said.
“By upgrading the stables, riders who come to Warialda to compete will be assured their horses are safe and well catered for during their stay.
“While this is great news for the camp drafters, show riders and pony club participants, I know our 100 showground volunteers will also greatly appreciate these works. Wider gates will make the stalls more accessible and easier to maintain and clean.
“Local building contractor Barry Jackson has already been signed up to build the project which we hope will get underway by the end of this month and be complete by Christmas time.
“The stables are actually one of the first structures travellers see as they drive into Warialda from the west. I think having a new set of stables will speak volumes about the pride and care we have for our small town.
“I want to acknowledge Adam and the State Government for recognising how important rural showgrounds are, and for providing us with this financial support during these difficult times.”