Inverell Showground Trust will soon purchase a brand new zero-turn lawn mower to keep the grounds looking tidy, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, Showground caretaker Chris Bell and Showground Trust member Heather Morris with the soon-to-be-replaced mower.
Wednesday, 24 February 2021
THE time it takes to mow lawns and maintain the camping areas at Inverell Showground is about to be slashed, with a $24,652 State Government grant assisting the land managers to purchase a brand new Hustler Hyperdrive lawnmower, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said the Inverell Showground was 15 hectares in size and mowing it wasn’t a job which could be done quickly.
“With camping one of the key was the Inverell Showground Trust earns an income, its vital the area is kept tidy and presentable so that grey nomads are encouraged to stay,” Mr Marshall said.
“Currently the caretaker does the majority to mowing, using a 15-year-old Kabota which is prone to breaking down and costing the Trust unnecessary funds for maintenance.
“Using this grant from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, the Hustler zero-turn will be purchased from a dealer in Glen Innes, helping to make a hard day’s work that little bit easier.
“On the current mower it takes around four days to knock-over the entire site, but with the new purchase it is expected that time will nearly half, easing the work load for everyone.
“Congratulations to chairman Ray White and his team for the immaculate upkeep of the showground and its amenities.
“The camp sites are a great advertisement for Inverell, especially amongst the grey nomad community, providing affordable accommodation for visitors who stay, spend and engage in the town.”
Inverell Showground Trust member Heather Morris said purchasing the Hustler would free up time for work on other areas of the ground.
“While our old Kabota has served us well over many years, we are really pleased to now have the funds to upgrade,” Ms Morris said.
“Of all the tools that are important for running a facility this size a functioning lawn mower is in the top five.
“For too long we have had to spend money fixing the old mower when it breaks down, instead of using it for other maintenance projects.
“Keeping the grass low during a season like we are currently experiencing is a full time job and so anything we can do to make that easier is greatly welcomed.”