Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields said a vision to transform the Dubbo Showground into a new-and-improved events precinct is being realised, with major construction work under way to upgrade and update ageing amenities and facilities.
The latest upgrade, a boundary fence and security gate funded by the NSW Government Showground Stimulus Funding Phase 1, worth a total of $317,000, is being constructed. An excited Mayor Shields said tenders for further landscaping will open soon.
So far, a multitude of projects have already been completed, including the upgrade of the Woolpack Function Centre and amenities, new accessible toilet block.
“Residents may have also noticed some changes to the fence line, with some shrubs removed to address safety concerns, and make way for new trees which would be better suited to providing important shade for the facility” Councillor Shields said.
“In addition to the Woolpack Function Centre upgrades and a new eastern side toilet block completed in 2020, there are new accessible toilets being built near the grandstand later this year, and showground stables which will commence in the next month.”
Councillor Shields said there are currently no permanent stables at the Dubbo Showground available for events, and the portable stables are nearing the end of their lifecycle. The investment will mean Dubbo Regional Council can attract more events to the precinct and better service the current equestrian events.
“We’ll be able to host more high-calibre equestrian events, but more importantly, our current users will now have new stables where animal welfare is paramount,” Councillor Shields said.
“$80,000 has also been spent on improving water security across the Showground. The showground has installed seven water tanks holding a combined total of more than 300,000 litres across three venues. These tanks will provide water for livestock, landscaped areas as well as water for animals and cleaning the event sheds.”
The upgrades are the result of the Dubbo Showground Masterplan that was developed in 2019. The masterplan aims to address the future needs of events and event precincts in the Dubbo region.
Secretary of the Dubbo Show Society, Sue Hood, said the improvements will make a big difference for people coming to support not just the annual show, but other associated events.
“It is great to see the showground being improved for all users. The refurbishment of the ablution blocks, water security and new fence all helps to improve the image of the Showground facility,” Mrs Hood said.
Source: DRC
Featured Image: Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields with Sue Hood and Chris Edwards from the Dubbo Show Society in front of the new boundary fence at the Dubbo Showground.