Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, and Ebor Sports and Recreation Ground Reserve Trust Chairman Allan Miller discussing improvements to the dilapidated cattle yards.
Monday, 28 August 2017
LIVESTOCK and equine lovers alike will look forward to smoother-run events at Ebor’s Sports and Recreation Ground, with Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today announcing $30,000 to rebuild the ground’s dilapidated cattle yards.
Mr Marshall recently visited the sportsground with members of the Reserve Trust to inspect the wearing condition of the wooden yards and said that upgrades were a priority.
“While the old fencing around the pens and loading yards may make good firewood, it’s well past its use-by date for holding stock safely,” Mr Marshall said.
“The century-old timber construction needs to be regularly repaired, a costly and time-intensive practice that takes volunteers away from more important duties.”
Mr Marshall said the NSW Government funding, obtained through the Public Reserves Management Fund (PRMF), would help the Trust members completely transform the yards, replacing wood with steel to ensure improved welfare for stock and greater safety for those working in the cattle yards.
“This funding will enable the purchase of new steel fencing supplies, which combined with the Ebor community’s incredible generosity and willingness to lend a hand, will stretch a long way,” Mr Marshall said.
“New steel yards will last for well over a century – weathering the elements and frisky livestock while remaining safe for use by community members young and old.”
Mr Marshall said the upgraded yards would make the hosting of the annual Ebor campdraft event significantly less stressful.
“Ebor’s Sports and Recreation Ground Trust members are passionate about driving their community forward and this funding will allow them to use gathered funds to improve infrastructure, instead of battling a war of attrition against ageing fencing,” he said.
“The ground has already received major upgrades to improve amenities for visitors, with the trust receiving $35,000 two years ago to rebuild a shower block and install new hot water for campers.
“With new facilities, fencing and an invigorated Reserve Trust, Ebor has a winning hand at the next major campdraft.”