NSW GOVERNMENT TO UPGRADE MULLUMBIMBY SHOWGROUND

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced funding to improve the facilities of the Mullumbimby Showground.

Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson, stated that $30,000 will be provided from the government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to ensure that the multi-use facility continues to be a centerpiece for the local community.

“Mullumbimby Showground is used for a wide range of activities by the community, so it’s vital that we support it,” said Mr Anderson.

The funding will be used to replace old wooden stockyards with new steel cattle yards, providing a safe and secure environment for livestock and creating better opportunities for community groups. The upgraded facilities will allow Mullumbimby Agricultural Society to source increased revenue through camp drafts, host team penning competitions, and provide camping facilities during equestrian events. It will also enable horse clubs to introduce new events and attract more members.

Mr Anderson also stated that the Mullumbimby funding is part of $16.48 million being offered statewide by Crown Lands to support projects on Crown reserves.

“Crown reserves provide communities with land for everything from showgrounds, parks, ovals, green space, and walking trails to racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs, and community halls,” he said.

“These grants to improve Crown reserves and facilities will benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting, and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.”

Lismore MP, Janelle Saffin, also welcomed funding for the repair of the flood-damaged Wilsons River foreshore and small grants for improvements to the Lismore and Woodenbong showgrounds. Ms Saffin stated that she had lobbied hard to make riparian repair and showground upgrades priority issues during this Parliamentary term.

“Every dollar counts with our flood recovery so I welcome this money for local projects on Crown land,” she said.

Under the 2022 Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program,

Lismore City Council will receive $218,127 to repair riverbanks, restore biodiversity, and stop erosion, including planting 1,150 trees and 8,000 plants. The projects will help restore critically endangered Lowland Rainforest in Albert Park and prevent erosion threatening the baseball fields and walking track, as well as encourage biodiversity in Currie Park near the Turf Club and Rugby Club. And under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, which Ms. Saffin has heavily promoted, a total of $109,000 is going to the Electorate of Lismore: $52,000 for Lismore Showground towards replacing aging timber stairs and terracing, with a new concrete staircase and metal handrails and $57,300 for Woodenbong Showground towards the installation of safety railing and fencing for the grandstand.