Looking forward to further upgrades at Glen Innes Showground, thanks to another $521,490 State Government grant, Trust members Patric Millar, left, Phil Lynn, Mike Norton, Chairman John Lynn, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Jo Cameron and Andrew Hancock.
Thursday, 12 August 2021
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has flicked the switch and delivered a $521,490 funding jolt to Glen Innes Showground, allowing the Trust to upgrade electrical infrastructure and install a new amenities block on the heritage listed site.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government has provided more than $625,000 in stimulus funding to Glen Innes Showground.
“While the historic buildings at Glen Innes Showground are a reminder of days gone by, the technology required to run the facility is definitely 21st century,” Mr Marshall said.
“The two electrical switch rooms which are due for replacement were first installed in the 1950s and since then the demands for power across the site has increased exponentially.
“With ring lights, food vans, camper trailers, PA systems and amusement rides all hooking into the power supply, one minor fault has the ability to bring the annual show to a standstill.
“This grant will fully replace the 70-year-old switch rooms, adding infrastructure which is safer and more capable of meeting the showground’s electricity demands.
“Additionally, sections of the existing corrugated iron boundary fence will be replaced. The current fence is not secure and is costing the trust significant funds to maintain.”
Mr Marshall said $149,490 of the grant would be spent replacing the 50-year-old amenities block, at the Torrington Street end of the showground.
“With its open eaves, showering in the Torrington Street amenities during winter can only be described as a bracing experience,” he said.
“The new block will incorporate an accessible shower and toilet with modern ladies and mens showers and toilet facilities.
“This addition will be welcomed by the many campers who stay onsite, in particular the 350 caravans which arrive in May for the Australian Cetic Festival.
“It’s not easy to manage a site as large and as culturally significant as the Glen Innes Showground.
“I want to recognise the trust for the efforts preserving this important piece of the region’s heritage and ensuring it remains a functional events venue that contributes to the local economy.”
Glen Innes Showground Trust Chairman John Lynn said the funding was important in aiding the modernisation of the heritage listed site.
“Over the next six months the Glen Innes Showground will be a hive of activity as local contractors get to work updating the electrical system and installing the new amenities block,” Mr Lynn said.
“A lot of planning has had to go into the new amenities block, so that it meets the strict heritage guidelines and fits with the iconic style of the rest of the grounds.
“The trust is proud of how the COVID-19 Showground Stimulus Program has supported the local economy, with Glen Innes based contractors and building suppliers benefiting from all the works undertaken over the past eighteen months.
“We’d like to thank Adam for his ongoing support of the Glen Innes Showground and look forward to visitors being able to enjoy the new facilities.”