The much-loved showgrounds in Casino, Grafton and Maclean are set for a serious facelift thanks to more than $600,000 in funding from the NSW Government, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis announced today.

“This is part of the Nationals in Government’s coronavirus stimulus package that is supporting local tradies and local jobs,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Our show societies have had to cancel events and that comes at a cost, but this funding will allow them to use the time to upgrade their facilities.”

Works at the Casino Showground include replacing the floor of the Ray Mison building, installing a new kitchen, refurbishing the main pavilion’s floor, upgrading lighting and fans, and fixing fencing.

Grafton Showground will get new roofs on five cattle sheds and the old tea rooms. Damaged concrete flooring will be replaced as will timber seating on ten portable grandstands. The toilet block will also get a makeover.

The funding for Maclean Showground will be used to strengthen its arena fence posts, put a new awning and relocate a gas bottle on the Jim Thompson building, and seal the showground entrance and access road and construct kerb and guttering.

Mr Gulaptis said he was delighted that all three showground managers who submitted funding applications were successful.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this funding is part of $25 million that will be spent over two years to improve showgrounds across the State.

“We will follow through by allocating another $12.5 million for more work across showgrounds to be announced next financial year,” she said.